These tests measure organic compounds in wastewater and other environmental water samples by EPA wastewater methods, with the EPA SW-846 method for solid samples where one is offered. Each test below names the method, how it works and some of the compounds it covers; tell us the compounds your permit or project lists. Water results are reported in µg/L (6PPD-quinone in ng/L) and solid results in µg/kg.
| Test | Method |
|---|---|
| Volatile organic compounds by GC/MS | EPA Method 624; EPA SW-846 Method 8260D (solids) |
| Semivolatile organic compounds by GC/MS | EPA Method 625; EPA SW-846 Method 8270E (solids) |
| Organochlorine pesticides and PCBs | EPA Method 608; EPA SW-846 Method 8081 (pesticides in solids) |
| Chlorinated herbicides | EPA Method 615; EPA SW-846 Method 8151A (solids) |
| Organophosphorus pesticides | EPA Method 625 |
| Priority pollutants | Combines the tests described on this page and the metals and general chemistry pages |
| 6PPD-quinone | EPA draft Method 1634 |
For drinking water, use the methods on the organic contaminants and PFAS page.
Volatile and semivolatile compounds
EPA Method 624, purge and trap GC/MS: an inert gas is bubbled through the sample, the volatile compounds are caught on a trap, then released into the gas chromatograph and identified and measured by their mass spectra. The scan covers 35 compounds, including vinyl chloride, methylene chloride, chloroform, benzene, trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes, acetone and 2-butanone (MEK). Solid samples are tested by EPA SW-846 Method 8260D.
EPA Method 625: the sample is extracted with methylene chloride at basic and then acidic pH, and the extract is analyzed by GC/MS. The scan covers phenols, chlorinated benzenes, phthalates, nitroaromatics, anilines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as naphthalene and benzo(a)pyrene; a PAH-only scan is also offered. Solid samples are tested by EPA SW-846 Method 8270E.
Pesticides, PCBs and herbicides
EPA Method 608: the sample is extracted with methylene chloride and the extract is analyzed by gas chromatography with an electron capture detector. The pesticide scan covers organochlorine pesticides such as aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor, the BHC isomers (including lindane), chlordane, toxaphene and DDT, DDD and DDE; the PCB scan reports the Aroclors 1016, 1221, 1232, 1242, 1248, 1254 and 1260. The two scans can be run together. Solid samples are tested for the pesticides by EPA SW-846 Method 8081.
EPA Method 615: the acid herbicides are extracted from the acidified sample, converted to their methyl esters, and measured by gas chromatography with an electron capture detector. The scan covers 2,4-D, 2,4-DB, 2,4,5-T, silvex (2,4,5-TP), dalapon, dicamba, dichlorprop, dinoseb, MCPA, MCPP and triclopyr. Solid samples are tested by EPA SW-846 Method 8151A.
EPA Method 625, GC/MS: the sample is extracted with methylene chloride, and the pesticides in the extract are identified and measured by their mass spectra. The scan covers 36 organophosphorus pesticides, including diazinon, malathion, chlorpyrifos, dimethoate, methyl and ethyl parathion, phorate and azinphos-methyl (Guthion). Offered for water samples.
Priority pollutants and 6PPD-quinone
Priority pollutant testing combines tests described on this page: the 13 priority pollutant metals (antimony, arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, nickel, selenium, silver, thallium and zinc), measured by ICP-MS with mercury by cold vapor atomic absorption; total cyanide and phenols; and the volatile, semivolatile, and pesticide and PCB scans above. It can be ordered as a full scan or by group. Offered for water samples.
EPA draft Method 1634, LC-MS/MS: an isotope-labeled 6PPD-quinone standard is added to the sample, the sample is passed through a solid phase extraction cartridge, and the 6PPD-quinone is eluted with acetonitrile and measured by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry, quantified by isotope dilution. 6PPD-quinone forms in the environment from 6PPD, an additive in vehicle tires; the method is written for stormwater and surface water. Reported in ng/L. Offered for water samples.
The method numbers on this page follow the published EPA and Standard Methods designations. These references describe the methods; the TNI LAMS registry lists each method’s code and revision.
Questions about a sample or a method, call 360-967-7010 or email [email protected].
