New HRGC/HRMS for Dioxin Testing
Environmental NEWS - Fall 2009
New HRGC/HRMS for Dioxin Testing
Using their many years of experience in organic extractions and GC/MS analysis, Lancaster Laboratories has added dioxin testing to its long list of environmental services. A high resolution gas chromatograph/high resolution mass spectrometer (HRGC/HRMS) was recently installed to perform the analytical portion of the test, and a 900-square-foot laboratory, specifically designed for dioxin extraction, has been outfitted for sample preparation.
Analysts perform dioxin testing in Lancaster Labs’ newest lab,
which features a Thermo Scientific DFS high resolution
gas chromatograph/high resolution mass spectrometer.
Initially, the test methods that Lancaster Labs will offer include EPA methods 1613B and 8290A for water and soil samples. These methods are capable of isolating and identifying seventeen isomers of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and 2,3,7,8-tetra-chlorodibenzofuran (TCDF). In the past, these tests were subcontracted to an approved laboratory, but setting them up in-house will allow clients who qualify their laboratories to use a single facility for their dioxin testing. Lancaster Labs is in the process of adding dioxin testing to its existing certifications.
One of the challenges of sample preparation for dioxin testing is controlling environmental factors so that very low concentrations of TCDD/TCDF can be reliably detected. “Our extensive experience with trace organic residue analysis allows us to understand the controls that are needed for preparing samples for dioxin testing. It’s just a good springboard to move us into this next phase,” explains Chuck Neslund, manager of Specialty Services at Lancaster Labs. Liquid/liquid and solid phase extractors will be used to prepare samples for analysis on HRGC/HRMS. The extractions can be followed by additional solid/liquid phase cleanups to aid the detection of dioxins and furans.
A very sensitive HRGC/HRMS instrument is needed for dioxin testing since the concentration range required can extend down to the parts-per- quadrillion level. To meet these demands, Lancaster Labs chose a Thermo Scientific DFS HRGC/HRMS unit because it offers excellent sensitivity and selectivity. “The high resolution mass spec is capable of differentiating dioxins from other interferents that may be present in the sample. Since the dioxin concentration may be orders of magnitude less than the interferents, the instrument has to be extremely sensitive,” says Nelson Risser, the principal chemist responsible for validating the new instrument. In addition to their instrumental expertise, Risser points out that Lancaster Labs also has extensive experience in providing various deliverable formats, both electronic and hard copy, to summarize the analytical and quality control results.
After the water and soil methods are fully implemented, Lancaster Labs plans to offer dioxin testing in other matrices, like tissue and air. For more information on dioxin testing, contact Environmental Business Development at 717-656-2300.