Scaling Down EPA Methods 8270 and 625: Solid Phase Extraction of 100 mL Samples or Less

The EPA has updated methods 8270 (8270E) and 625 (625.1) to both now permit the use of solid phase extraction (SPE) to analyze for semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in aqueous samples and TCLP leachates. The revised methods will also now allow more sensitive and selective instrumentation for analyte detection and quantitation, such as GC/MS with large volume injection (e.g. PTV), GC/MS in SIM mode, ion trap MS, and tandem MS. As a result of these enhanced technological advancements, smaller sample sizes can now be utilized to obtain required method detection limits, reducing solvent and standard consumption and overall sample preparation time. This application note describes a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective SPE method utilizing two stacked cartridges for the extraction of 100 mL water samples or less.