Drinking Water Analysis by EPA 504.1

Summary

EPA 504.1 is used to determine the concentrations of Ethylene Dibromide (EDB) and Dibromochloropropane (DBCP) in drinking water. EDB and DBCP are synthetic organic compounds listed in the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations.

EDB was used primarily as an anti-knock agent in gasoline mixtures and aviation fuels.

DBCP was used primarily as soil fumigant for many crops including: cucumbers, cabbage, soybeans, cotton, pineapples, and orchards.

Technique

EPA 504.1 is performed using microextraction and gas chromatography/electron capture dectector (GC/ECD).

Holding Time

Samples have a 14-day holding time. Samples not analyzed within this period must be discarded and replaced. Because of the potential for solvent evaporation, it is preferable that extracts be analyzed immediately following preparation. When necessary, extracts may be stored in tightly capped vials at >0°C to ≤4°C for up to 24 hours.

Container and Preservative

Collect all samples in 40-mL vials which contain 3 mg of sodium thiosulfate crystals. This dechlorinating agent must be added to each sample to avoid the possibility of reactions that may occur between residual chlorine and indeterminate contaminants present in some solvents, yielding compounds that may subsequently interfere with the analysis. The presence of sodium thiosulfate will arrest further formation of DBCM.

Shipping/Transport Instructions

Immediately chill all samples within 15 minutes of collection to at or below 4 degrees C (≤4°C) by placing the samples in a sample refrigerator or in a cooler with ice. Samples must be maintained at that temperature until analysis. Field samples that will not be received at the laboratory on the day of collection must be packaged for shipment with sufficient ice to ensure that they will be >0°C to ≤4°C upon arrival at the laboratory.

Analytes and Reporting Limits

Analytes included on our State of Michigan Drinking Water Certification are designated as such.

  Michigan Certified

  Michigan does not offer certification

  Please request additional information on test

Analyte	CAS Number	Reporting Limit	MI Cert
Ethylene Dibromide (EDB)	106-93-4	0.01 μg/L
Dibromochloropropane (DBCP)	96-12-8	0.01 μg/L