Epa 8323
Epa 8323
Epa 8323
1.1 This method covers the use of solid-phase extraction (SPE) discs, solvent extractions
(for biological tissues), and micro-liquid chromatography (µLC) coupled with electrospray ion trap
mass spectrometry (ES-ITMS) [this technique would also be applicable to ES-quadrupole mass
spectrometry (ES-MS)] for the determination of organotins (as the cation) in waters and biological
tissues. The following compounds can be determined by this method:
a
Chemical Abstract Service Registry Number.
b
The organotins are listed as the chloride salt, however this method is designed to detect the free
cation, whether from the chloride salt, oxide, etc., of the organotin.
1.2 Additionally, this method may be applicable to other non-volatile, water-soluble, polar,
compounds that are amenable to extraction by SPE and are ionizable by µLC-ES-ITMS.
1.3 Method 8323 is designed to detect the organotin compounds (as the cation) without
the use of hydrolysis and derivatization in the extraction procedure.
1.4 The compounds listed in this method were chosen for analysis by µLC-ES-ITMS
because they have been designated as problem compounds that are hard to analyze by gas
chromatographic methods. Currently (2002) no official Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
methodology exists for the determination of these compounds. The sensitivity of this method is
dependent upon the level of interferants within a given matrix, and varies with compound class and
even by compound within a class. Additionally, the sensitivity is dependent upon the mobile phase
used with the µLC, as well as the electrospray voltages and tuning parameters used in optimizing
the ES-ITMS.
8323 - 1 Revision 0
January 2003
1.5 The organotins are classified as hazardous materials, with varying degrees of toxicity.
It is incumbent upon the analyst to review the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) for each of the
compounds analyzed. Purified standard material and stock standard solutions should be handled
in a hood and personal protective equipment should be used.
1.6 Prior to employing this method, analysts are advised to consult the base method for
each type of procedure that may be employed in the overall analysis (e.g., Methods 3500, 3600,
5000, and 8000) for additional information on quality control procedures, development of QC
acceptance criteria, calculations, and general guidance. Analysts also should consult the
disclaimer statement at the front of the manual and the information in Chapter Two for guidance on
the intended flexibility in the choice of methods, apparatus, materials, reagents, and supplies, and
on the responsibilities of the analyst for demonstrating that the techniques employed are
appropriate for the analytes of interest, in the matrix of interest, and at the levels of concern.
In addition, analysts and data users are advised that, except where explicitly required in a
regulation, the use of SW-846 methods is not mandatory in response to Federal testing
requirements. The information contained in this method is provided by EPA as guidance to be used
by the analyst and the regulated community in making judgments necessary to generate results that
meet the data quality objectives for the intended application.
1.7 This method is restricted to use by, or under the supervision of, analysts experienced
in the use of high performance liquid chromatography using mass spectrometers. Analysts should
also be skilled in the interpretation of liquid chromatograms and mass spectra. Each analyst must
demonstrate the ability to generate acceptable results with this method.
2.1.1 Sample extracts can be analyzed by direct injection into the electrospray
(though interference is possible) or through a liquid chromatographic-electrospray interface.
2.1.4 In some cases, the electrospray interface may introduce variability that leads
to less precise quantitation.
2.2.1 Two-liter water samples are prepared first acidifying the waters with 12 N
hydrochloric acid (HCl) and then the waters are extracted through pre-prepared solid-phase
extraction (SPE) discs.
2.2.2 Tissue samples (e.g., fish, brain), are extracted by using a solvent mixture of
hexane:acetic acid:tropolone (99:1:0.1 v/v). After sonication is completed, the sample is
adjusted to pH 2 with a small quantity of 12N HCl. The acidified sample is then centrifuged
for approximately thirty minutes.
8323 - 2 Revision 0
January 2003
2.3 Electrospray ionization is considered a “soft” ionization technique. Consequently, few
ions are produced, usually the molecular ion plus some adduct ion from the mobile phase solutions.
Based on the fact that 120Sn - tin has ten isotopes electrospray ionization produces a distinctive
mass spectral pattern (see fig. 1). However, if further confirmatory analysis is warranted, this can
then be done by performing MS/MS experiments (for those analysts using an ion trap mass
spectrometer) on those compounds of uncertain identity.
3.0 DEFINITIONS
Refer to the SW-846 chapter of terms and acronyms for potentially applicable definitions.
4.0 INTERFERENCES
4.1 Compounds with high proton affinity may mask the MS response of some of the target
analytes. Therefore, except when the electrospray MS/MS system is used for rapid screening of
samples (see Sec. 11.9.2), an HPLC must be used to perform the chromatographic separations
necessary for quantitative analyses.
4.2 The organotins have an affinity for bonding to glass. In order to make sure of no
background contamination glassware needs to be first washed with soapy water, deionized (DI)
water, then placed in an HCl acid (< pH 2) bath for 24-hrs. After 24-hrs the glassware is removed
rinsed with DI water, methanol, and then placed in a glassware drying oven (60 oF) until dry.
4.3 Solvents, reagents, glassware, and other sample processing hardware may yield
discrete artifacts or elevated baselines, or both, causing misinterpretation of chromatograms or
spectra. All of these materials must be demonstrated to be free from interferences under the
conditions of the analysis by analyzing method blanks. Specific selection of reagents and
purification of solvents by distillation in all-glass systems may be necessary. Refer to each method
for specific guidance on quality control procedures and to Chapter Four for guidance on the
cleaning of glassware.
4.4 Interferants co-extracted from the sample will vary considerably from source to source.
Retention times of target analytes must be verified by using reference standards.
4.5 The optional use of LC/MS/MS methods aids in the confirmation of specific analytes.
These methods are less subject to chemical noise than other mass spectrometric methods.
5.0 SAFETY
This method does not address all safety issues associated with its use. The laboratory (user)
is responsible for maintaining a safe work environment and a current awareness file of OSHA
regulations regarding the safe handling of the chemicals listed in this method. A reference file of
material safety data sheets (MSDSs) should be available to all personnel involved in these
analyses.
6.1 The mention of trade names or commercial products in this manual is for illustrative
purposes only, and does not constitute an EPA endorsement or exclusive recommendation for use.
The products and instrument settings cited in SW-846 methods represent those products and
8323 - 3 Revision 0
January 2003
settings used during method development or subsequently evaluated by the Agency. Glassware,
reagents, supplies, equipment, and settings other than those listed in this manual may be employed
provided that method performance appropriate for the intended application has been demonstrated
and documented.
6.2 µ-LC/ITMS
The following apparatus and materials are necessary for the use of the µ-LC/MS portions of
this method.
6.2.2.1 Interface - Electrospray ionization interface and source that will give
acceptable calibration response for each analyte of interest at the concentration
required. The source must be capable of generating both positive and negative ions.
6.2.3.2 Optional ion trap MSn mode - capable of generating daughter ion
spectra with a collision gas in the ion trap.
6.2.4 Data system - A computer system that allows the continuous acquisition and
storage on machine-readable media of all mass spectra obtained throughout the duration of
the chromatographic program must be connected to the mass spectrometer. The computer
must have software that allows any MS data file to be searched for ions of a specified mass,
and such ion abundances to be plotted versus time or scan number. This type of plot is
defined as an Extracted Ion Current Profile (EICP). Software must also be available that
allows integration of the abundances in any EICP between specified time or scan-number
limits. There must be computer software available to operate the specific modes of the mass
spectrometer.
The column listed in this section were those used to develop the method. The mention of
these columns is not intended to exclude the use of other columns that are available or that may
be developed. Laboratories may use columns of other dimensions and/or packed with different
stationary phases, provided that they document method performance data (e.g., chromatographic
resolution, analyte breakdown, and quantitation limits) that provide analytical performance that is
appropriate for the intended application.
8323 - 4 Revision 0
January 2003
6.3.1 Analytical Column - C18 reversed-phase column, 10 cm (of packing) x 160 µm
ID, 5-µm particle size of ODS-Hypersil; or equivalent (for flow rates of 4 - 6 µL/min, if using
the low flow-rate ES head); if using the higher ES flow-rate head, then use a narrow-bore
column (2.1 mm I.D.) with a 0.4 mL/min flow through the column with a 40/60 split after the
column, but before the ES (so that approx. 160 µL/min flow is entering the ES chamber).
NOTE: All glassware used in the extraction and analysis of organotins must be
acid washed. Wash glassware first in hot soapy water, rinse with DI water.
Prepare an acid bath to pH 2, using 12 N HCl, place glassware in acid bath
for 24 hrs. Remove from acid bath, rinse with DI water, rinse with methanol
(collect methanol rinsate for proper disposal into hazardous waste bottles),
place in oven, set at least 60oF, until dry, about 16 hrs. Remove glassware
from oven, let cool, put away.
6.4.1 Water
6.4.1.7 50-mL glass blow down tubes, 0.5-mL graduated conical tips.
6.4.2 Tissue
6.4.2.1 Centrifuge
6.4.2.6 50-mL glass blow down tubes, 0.5-mL graduated conical tips.
8323 - 5 Revision 0
January 2003
6.5 Automated pipettors (or equivalent) 1000-µL and 250-µL (Rainin or equivalent)
7.1 Reagent grade chemicals must be used in all tests. Unless otherwise indicated, it is
intended that all reagents conform to the specifications of the Committee on Analytical Reagents
of the American Chemical Society, where such specifications are available. Other grades may be
used, provided it is first ascertained that the reagent is of sufficiently high purity to permit its use
without lessening the accuracy of the determination.
7.2 Organic-free reagent water. All references to water in this method refer to organic-free
reagent water, as defined in Chapter One.
7.5 Solvents
The choice of solvent will depend on the analytes of interest and no single solvent is
universally applicable to all analyte groups. Whatever solvent system is employed including those
specifically listed in this method, the analyst must demonstrate adequate performance for the
analytes of interest, at the levels of interest. At a minimum, such a demonstration will encompass
the initial demonstration of proficiency described in Method 3500, using a clean reference matrix.
Method 8000 describes procedures that may be used to develop performance criteria for such
demonstrations as well as for matrix spike and laboratory control sample results.
All solvents should be pesticide quality or equivalent. Solvents may be degassed prior to
use.
7.5.2 Solution for standards and water extraction: Methanol/1% acetic acid, v/v
7.6 Standard materials - pure standard materials or certified solutions of each analyte
targeted for analysis.
8323 - 6 Revision 0
January 2003
7.7 HPLC/MS mass calibration tuning standard - Caffeine, UltraMark© 1621, and L-
methionyl-arginyl-phenylalanyl-alanine acetate•H2O (MRFA) are recommended by Thermoquest
as tuning standards for their ES-ITMS. However, analysts may use other tuning standards as
recommended by their instrument manufacturer or other documented source.
7.7.4 Prepare 5 mL of mass calibration solution. Pipet 100 µL of the stock solution
of caffeine into a clean, dry vial. Pipet 15 µL of the stock solution of MRFA
into the vial. Pipet 2.5 mL of the stock solution of Ultramark© 1621 into the
vial. Pipet 50 µL of glacial acetic acid into the vial. Pipet 2.34 mL of 50:50
methanol:water into the vial. Mix solution thoroughly. Label vial and store in
refrigerator (4oC) until it is needed.
7.8 Stock standard solutions - Standards may be prepared from pure standard materials
or may be purchased as certified solutions. Commercially-prepared stock standards may be used
if they are certified by the manufacturer and verified against a standard made from pure material.
NOTE: All organotins are very hazardous/toxic compounds. Good laboratory safety
practice must be used when weighing and preparing the stock standard and
calibration standard solutions.
NOTE: If compound purity is certified at 96% or greater, the weight can be used
without correction to calculate the concentration of the stock standard.
Commercially-prepared stock standards can be used at any concentration if
they are certified by the manufacturer or by an independent source.
7.9 Standard calibration standards - An initial check of the instrumentation should be the
analysis of a 5-point calibration curve for each parameter of interest. A minimum of five different
concentrations for each parameter of interest should be prepared through dilution of the stock
standards with methanol/1%acetic acid. On a more daily basis, at least one of the calibration
standards should correspond to a sample concentration at or below that necessary to meet the data
quality objectives of the project. The remaining concentrations should correspond to the expected
range of concentrations found in real samples, or should define the working range of the
HPLC-ES/MS system (see Method 8000). Calibration standards must be replaced after one or two
months, or sooner if comparison with check standards indicates a problem.
7.10 Surrogate standards - At this time there are no known surrogate standards to be used
8323 - 7 Revision 0
January 2003
with this method. Instead the analyst should monitor the performance of the extraction, cleanup
(when used), and analytical system, along with the effectiveness of the method in dealing with each
sample matrix, by including a spiked sample and analytical blank with each “batch” of extractions.
7.11 Internal standards - Currently this method does not use an internal standard, but
instead uses the external standard procedure found in Method 8000, Sec 11.4.2. Refer to section
7.9.
7.12 Matrix spiking standards - Consult Method 3500 for information on matrix spiking
solutions. Prepare a solution containing the analytes of interest in a suitable solvent, i.e. methanol,
for organotins.
NOTE: The form of the compounds used for spiking should be identical to the form
of the target analytes.
8.1 There are no databases indicating the best procedures for sample collection,
preservation and handling, regarding organotins. However, best practices, as performed in ref. 8,
would indicate the collection of samples (water, soil, sediment, tissue) into glass bottles and jars,
fish can be wrapped in plastic. Water samples are collected into 4-L, or 3-L, amber bottles, sealed
with parafilm, iced and shipped overnight to the laboratory for storage and subsequent analysis.
For additional information, see the introductory material to Chapter Four, Organic Analytes, Sec.
4.1.
8.2 The best practices for preservation during shipment would indicate the immediate
cooling of samples (4oC for water, soil, sediment; dry ice for fish) and overnight shipment to the
laboratory for processing and analysis. In the laboratory, the water, soil, sediment samples should
be kept refrigerated (4oC), and should be extracted and analyzed within a few days, ideally within
24-hrs of receipt. It has been demonstrated that the organotins can bond to glass surfaces. The
fish samples should be homogenized into smaller sample portions and can be frozen (< -18oC)
indefinitely until extraction and analysis.
9.1 Refer to Chapter One for guidance on quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC)
protocols. Each laboratory should maintain a formal quality assurance program. The laboratory
should also maintain records to document the quality of the data generated. All data sheets and
quality control data should be maintained for reference or inspection. When inconsistencies exist
between QC guidelines, method-specific QC criteria take precedence over both technique-specific
criteria and those criteria given in Chapter One, and technique-specific QC criteria take precedence
over the criteria in Chapter One.
9.2 Quality control procedures necessary to evaluate the µ-LC system operation are found
in Method 8000 and include evaluation of retention time windows, calibration verification and
chromatographic analysis of samples. Check the performance of the entire analytical system daily
using data gathered from analyses of blanks, standards, and replicate samples. If any of the
chromatographic QC limits are not met, the analyst should examine the LC system for:
• Leaks
• Proper pressure delivery
• A dirty guard column; may need replacing or repacking
8323 - 8 Revision 0
January 2003
• plugged heated capillary tube
Checking any of the above items will necessitate shutting down the µ-LC/ITMS system, making
repairs and/or replacements, and then restarting the analyses. A calibration verification standard
should be re-analyzed before any sample analyses, as described in Sec. 11.6.
9.4 Before processing any samples, the analyst should demonstrate that all parts of the
equipment in contact with the sample and reagents are interference-free. This is accomplished
through the analysis of a method blank. Each time samples are extracted, cleaned up, and
analyzed, and when there is a change in reagents, a method blank should be prepared and
analyzed for the compounds of interest as a safeguard against chronic laboratory contamination.
9.5 Sample quality control for preparation and analysis - The laboratory must also have
procedures for documenting the effect of the matrix on method performance (precision, accuracy,
and detection limit). At a minimum, this includes the analysis of QC samples including a method
blank, matrix spike, a duplicate, and a laboratory control sample (LCS) in each analytical batch.
Any method blanks, matrix spike samples, or replicate samples should be subjected to the same
analytical procedures (Sec. 11.0) as those used on actual samples.
9.5.1 Documenting the effect of the matrix should include the analysis of at least
one matrix spike and one duplicate unspiked sample or one matrix spike/matrix spike
duplicate pair. The decision on whether to prepare and analyze duplicate samples or a
matrix spike/matrix spike duplicate must be based on a knowledge of the samples in the
sample batch. If samples are expected to contain target analytes, then laboratories may use
one matrix spike and a duplicate analysis of an unspiked field sample. If samples are not
expected to contain target analytes, laboratories should use a matrix spike and matrix spike
duplicate pair.
9.5.2 A laboratory control sample (LCS) should be included with each analytical
batch. The LCS consists of an aliquot of a clean (control) matrix similar to the sample matrix
and of the same weight or volume. The LCS is spiked with the same analytes at the same
concentrations as the matrix spike. When the results of the matrix spike analysis indicate
a potential problem due to the sample matrix itself, the LCS results are used to verify that the
laboratory can perform the analysis in a clean matrix.
9.5.3 See Method 8000, Sec. 9.0 for the details on carrying out sample quality
control procedures for preparation and analysis.
9.6 Surrogate recoveries - This method currently does not rely upon surrogates.
9.7 It is recommended that the laboratory adopt additional quality assurance practices for
use with this method. The specific practices that are most productive depend upon the needs of
the laboratory and the nature of the samples. Whenever possible, the laboratory should analyze
standard reference materials and participate in relevant performance evaluation studies.
8323 - 9 Revision 0
January 2003
10.0 CALIBRATION AND STANDARDIZATION
11.0 PROCEDURE
11.1.1 Pour 2 liters of water into a 2-L volumetric flask. Adjust pH to 2.5, using
approximately 600 µLs of HCl (12 N). Shake flask to distribute HCl.
11.2.1 Fish are prepared for extraction by cutting the larger of the fish into large
chunks with a saw, subsequent grinding to a fine particulate size using either a blender or
HobartTM grinder, then re-proportioned to 20 g into glass jars and re-frozen until sub-sampled
for extraction and analysis. Smaller fish (i.e., minnows, sunfish) can be ground together
using the above mentioned methods.
11.2.2 Other tissue samples (plant, mammal) can be prepared as outlined in 11.2.1.
11.3.2 Add water to 1-L mark of reservoir. Open valve to waste, using gravity
extraction let water samples drain through the prepared SPE disks for 30 to 40 minutes,
replenishing the water until all 2-L of sample has been poured into the reservoir. Rinse
emptied 2-L volumetric flask with 100-mLs of DI water, adding the rinsate water into
reservoir. As water level drops to within 10 mLs of disc surface, rinse sides of reservoir with
50 mLs of DI water. Once all of the 2-L of water has been drained through the disc, start
vacuum pump, approx. 15 psi, and pull the disc to dryness, approximately 10 minutes. Turn
off pump, shut valve.
11.3.3 Place each glass collection tube (24 x 200mm) on manifold. Add 10 mLs of
methanol/1% acetic acid solution to each reservoir-disc, rinsing the reservoir sides as
solution is added. Open valve to extract, let solution flow through. If hard to start, close
valve, start vacuum pump for 20 seconds, turn off pump. Re-open valve. As solution flows
out, add another 10 mLs of methanol/1% acetic acid, let flow through, as solution gets low,
add a third, and final, 10 mL volume of methanol/1% acetic acid, let flow through till emptied
out, turn pump on, and finish extraction until SPE disc is dry. Close valve, turn pump off.
8323 - 10 Revision 0
January 2003
11.3.4 Remove collection tube, qualitatively transfer, by pouring and using
disposable glass pipettes, the supernatant to the concentration tubes, rinse sides of
collection tube at least once, and transfer to concentration tube.
11.3.5.2 The internal wall of the tube must be rinsed down several times with
the final solvent (methanol/1% acetic acid) during the operation. During evaporation,
the water level needs to be at proper operating levels (see manufacturer’s
recommendations). Under normal operating conditions, the extract should not be
allowed to become dry. Transfer the extract to a 2 mL glass vial with a PTFE-lined
screw-cap or crimp-top and store refrigerated at 4EC. Proceed with µ-LC-ES-ITMS
analysis.
11.4.1 Measure out 0.5 g to 2.0 g of tissue into 40-mL amber glass centrifuge tubes.
Add 20 mLs of hexane/tropolone solution (see 7.5.2.1). Place the centrifuge tubes in a rack
and place the rack in a water bath sonicator. (Although a rack isn’t mandatory, it is best to
place the tubes in some type of stable holder for sonication.) Sonicate samples for 45
minutes. Remove samples and adjust pH to approx. pH 2.0 with concentrated HCl (12N).
11.4.2 Place cap on centrifuge tubes. Centrifuge at 4000 rpm for approx. 30 min.
11.4.3 Qualitatively transfer clear supernatant from centrifuge tube (leaving behind
fats, solids on bottom) to 50 mL TurboVap® tubes, using glass pipettes.
11.4.4.2 The internal wall of the tube must be rinsed down several times with
the final solvent (hexane mix) during the operation. During evaporation, the water
level needs to be at proper operating levels (see manufacturer’s recommendations).
Under normal operating conditions, the extract should not be allowed to become dry.
Transfer the extract to a 2 mL glass vial with a PTFE-lined screw-cap or crimp-top and
store refrigerated at 4EC. Proceed with µ-LC-ES-ITMS analysis.
11.5.1 Recommended mobile phase and flow rates for the organotins are shown
below. Analysts should also consult the instrument manufacturer’s instructions. In the
absence of specific recommendations, the following conditions may be a useful starting
point:
Flow rate 4 - 6 µL/min if using the low flow-rate ES head and micro-bore
column (160 µm I.D.); if using the higher ES flow-rate head, and
8323 - 11 Revision 0
January 2003
narrow-bore column (2.1 mm I.D.) then use 0.4 mL/min flow
through the column with a 40/60 split after the column, but before
the ES (so that approx. 160 µL/min flow is entering the ES
chamber).
isocratic
mobile phase 80% methanol/14%water/6% acetic acid/0.1% tropolone (v/v/v/m)
Optimize the HPLC conditions for resolution of the target analytes and sensitivity. The acetic
acid and tropolone are necessary to ensure that the organotins remain stable in solution
during analysis.
NOTE: Once established, the same operating conditions must be used for both
calibrations and sample analyses.
Prior to analysis of samples, the analyst should evaluate the relative sensitivity of the target
compounds. If the sensitivity has dropped then the analyst should rerun the tuning standard. For
the organotins it is recommended that the tri-organo moiety be used. It is possible to tune on the
di-organotin and get very good sensitivity, but not be able to recover the tri-organotins. This group
of target compounds have much better sensitivity using positive ionization mode. The ion trap
mass spectrometer (ITMS) detector that performs real-time mass analyses of liquid chromatograph
(LC) eluents over a mass-to-charge ratio range of 50 to 2000.
Other source voltages (i.e., capillary voltage, tube lens offset, octapole lens) to be set
through optimization routine of auto tuning mode.
For the micro-bore columns (< 160 µm I.D.) an injection volume of 0.5 µL is
normally used. The injection loop must be overfilled by, minimally, a factor of four
(e.g., 2 -µL sample used to overfill a 0.5 -µL internal injection loop) when manual
injections are performed. If solids are present in the extract, allow them to settle or
centrifuge the extract and withdraw the injection volume from the clear layer. For the
narrow-bore columns (2.1 mm I.D.) an injection volume of 20 µL is normally used.
11.6 Calibration
11.6.1.1 The tributyltin (TBT) solution is placed into a syringe pump and the
ES-ITMS source is configured so as to allow a direct flow (flow-injection) into the ES-
ITMS at approximately 4 - 6 µL/min flow, while monitoring mass 291. The detection
and subsequent spectra of TBT is sensitive to variable electrospray conditions, such
as nitrogen flow, capillary tube temperature, and the voltage difference between the
tube lens and the capillary tube. Under ion source conditions optimized for tributyltin,
8323 - 12 Revision 0
January 2003
there is only one ion present, 291 m/z, due to the loss of one chlorine atom, (M - Cl)+.
11.6.1.3 At the start of each project prepare five calibration standards (see
Sec. 5.12 and Method 8000). Inject each calibration standard onto the HPLC, using
the chromatographic conditions outlined in section 7.6. Refer to Sec. 7.0 of Method
8000 for guidance on external calibration options and calibration acceptance criteria.
In most cases the (M - Cl)+ ions, and the tropolonium adduct ions (M - nCl + (n-
1)C7H5O2)+ are the only ions of significant abundance. Table 1 lists the retention times
(micro-bore column) and the major ions (>15%) present in the positive ionization ES-
ITMS spectra of five organotins.
11.6.3 Daily Calibration verification. At the beginning of each analytical shift, and at
the end of a sample analysis period (not to exceed a 4-hr time period) the response of the
instrument system must be verified by the analysis of a single standard at the approximate
mid-point of the initial calibration range.
11.7 Sample Analysis. Once the LC system has been calibrated as outlined in Sec. 11.6,
it is ready for sample analysis, employing both MS and UV detectors. Depending on the sensitivity
necessary for a given project, analyses may be conducted using the MS detector in either the
positive or negative ionization modes. The positive ionization mode generally provides greater
8323 - 13 Revision 0
January 2003
sensitivity, and may be more appropriate for samples containing very low concentrations of the
analytes of interest. However, analyst are advised that some compounds may be detectable in only
the negative ionization mode.
11.7.1 An instrument blank (methanol/1% acetic acid) should be analyzed after the
standards, in order to demonstrate that the system is free from contamination.
11.7.4 The concentration of the analyte is determined by using the initial calibration
data (see Method 8000) from the MS detector response. Samples whose concentrations
exceed the calibration range must be diluted to fall within the range.
11.8 Calculations
11.8.1 Using the external standard calibration procedure (Method 8000), determine
the identity and quantity of each component peak in the sample reconstructed ion
chromatogram which corresponds to the compounds used for calibration processes. See
Method 8000 for calculations.
11.8.2 The retention time of the chromatographic peak is an important parameter for
the identity of the analyte. However, because matrix interferences can change
chromatographic column conditions, the absolute retention times are not as significant as
relative retention times (when using internal standards), and the mass spectral patterns are
the most important criteria for analyte identification.
With respect to this method, MSn shall be defined as the collision activated dissociation
(CAD) acquisition on a specific ion (parent ion). The ion trap is configured to trap one mass (parent
ion), subsequently this mass is excited to a high enough energy that will cause a product ion
(daughter ion) spectrum to be produced by collisions with residual helium. This is done by setting
% relative collision energies high enough for this CAD to occur. This process can be continued by
selecting the appropriate product ion (new parent ion), by trapping them and exciting them, as was
done with the original parent ion. Scanning is done in a defined range such that the ions of interest
are scanned.
11.9.2 Since the electrospray process often generates only one or two ions per
compound, the use of MSn is a more specific mode of operation yielding molecular structural
8323 - 14 Revision 0
January 2003
information. In this mode, samples can be rapidly screened through direct injection of the
sample into the electrospray (e.g., without using the µ-LC to separate the sample
components).
11.9.3 The MSn spectra of a calibration standard and the sample should be
compared and the ratios of the three major (most intense) ions examined. These ratios
should be approximately the same, unless there is an interference (if an interference
appears, chromatographic separation must be utilized), this process will then confirm the
presence of the “unknown” analyte.
12.1 See Sec. 11.8 for information regarding data analysis and calculations.
12.2 Results must be reported in units commensurate with their intended use and all
dilutions must be taken into account when computing final results.
13.1 Performance data and related information are provided in SW-846 methods only as
examples and guidance. The data do not represent required performance goals for users of the
methods. Instead, performance goals should be developed on a project-specific basis, and the
laboratory should establish in-house QC performance criteria for the application of this method.
13.2 Single operator accuracy and precision studies have been conducted using spiked
water samples. Tables 2 and 3 provide single-laboratory performance data for four organotins in
water and fish tissue matrices, respectively.
14.1 Pollution prevention encompasses any technique that reduces or eliminates the
quantity and/or toxicity of waste at the point of generation. Numerous opportunities for pollution
prevention exist in laboratory operation. The EPA has established a preferred hierarchy of
environmental management techniques that places pollution prevention as the management option
of first choice. Whenever feasible, laboratory personnel should use pollution prevention techniques
to address their waste generation. When wastes cannot be feasibly reduced at the source, the
Agency recommends recycling as the next best option.
14.2 For information about pollution prevention that may be applicable to laboratories and
research institutions consult Less is Better: Laboratory Chemical Management for Waste Reduction
available from the American Chemical Society's Department of Government Relations and Science
Policy, 1155 16th St., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036, (202) 872-4477.
8323 - 15 Revision 0
January 2003
15.0 WASTE MANAGEMENT
The Environmental Protection Agency requires that laboratory waste management practices
be conducted consistent with all applicable rules and regulations. The Agency urges laboratories
to protect the air, water, and land by minimizing and controlling all releases from hoods and bench
operations, complying with the letter and spirit of any sewer discharge permits and regulations, and
by complying with all solid and hazardous waste regulations, particularly the hazardous waste
identification rules and land disposal restrictions. For further information on waste management,
consult The Waste Management Manual for Laboratory Personnel available from the American
Chemical Society at the address listed in Sec. 14.2.
16.0 REFERENCES
1. "Guidelines for Data Acquisition and Data Quality Evaluation in Environmental Chemistry",
Anal. Chem., 1980, 52, 2242-2249.
2. S.J. Blunden, A. Chapman, Organotin Compounds. In: Craig, PJ, ed. Organometallic
Compounds in the Environment. New York: John Wiley and Sons, 1986.
4. Sadiki, A-I.; Williams, D.T.; Carrier, R.; and Thomas, B. Chemosphere 1996; 32 (12): 2389-
2398.
5. Siu, K.W.; Gardner, G.J; Berman, S.S. Rapid Commun. Mass Spectrom. 1988; 2: 201.
6. Siu, K.W.; Gardner, G.J; Berman, S.S. Anal. Chem. 1989; 61: 2320.
7. White, S.; Catterick, T.; Fairman, B.; Webb, K. J. Chrom. A 1998; 794: 211-218.
8. Jones-Lepp, T.L.; Varner, K.E.; McDaniel, M.; Riddick, L. Appl. Organometal. Chem. 1999;
13: 1-9.
9. Jones, T.L., Betowski, L.D. Rapid Commun. Mass Spectrom. 1993; 7:1003-1008.
10. F. Han, J.L. Fasching, and P.R. Brown J. Chromatogr. B: Biomed. Appl. 1995; 669,103.
11. Y. Inoue, K. Kawabata, Y. Suzuki, J. Anal. At. Spectrosc. 1995; 10, 363.
12. C. Rivas, L. Ebdon, E.H. Evans and S.J. Hill, Appl. Organomet. Chem.1996; 10, 61.
8323 - 16 Revision 0
January 2003
TABLE 1
8323 - 17 Revision 0
January 2003
TABLE 2
Triphenyltin chloride 77 19 15 56 - 99 7
Diphenyltin dichloride 56 40 9 20 - 81 6
8323 - 18 Revision 0
January 2003
TABLE 3
8323 - 19 Revision 0
January 2003
TABLE 4
LIMITS-OF-DETECTION
Compound LODa
Monobutyltin trichloride 1 ng
a
Calculated as described in ref. 1
8323 - 20 Revision 0
January 2003
TABLE 5
EXAMPLE CONCENTRATIONS OF DBT AND TPT (µg/L) FROM NINE FRESH SURFACE
WATER SITES AND ONE WASTEWATER EFFLUENT
8323 - 21 Revision 0
January 2003
TABLE 6
California/SEKI
Sample 1 Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) (SF) 1 nd nd
Sample 3 Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) (SF) 1 nd nd
Sample 4 Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) (SF) 1 nd nd
Sample 5 Spike (DBT 3.7 mg/kg) 1 74% na
Sample 2 Spike (TPT 2.9 mg/kg) 1 nac 72%
Virginia/SHEN(Rose River)
Sample 1,2 Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) (SF) 2 211 (208-215) nd
Sample 4,5 Torrent Sucker (Thorburnia rhothocea) 2 nd nd
Sample 3 Spike (TPT 6.2 mg/kg) 1 na 81%
a b
Values are the mean with the range in parentheses. nd = not detected. C not applicable.
8323 - 22 Revision 0
January 2003