Drinking Water Analysis by SM 6040D

Summary

Geosmin (1,2,7,7-tetramethyl-2-norborneol) and 2-Methylisoborneol (MIB) are organic compounds which can contribute to an unpleasant odor in drinking water. Although not considered a threat to human health, the human nose is extremely sensitive to these compounds and can detect their presence at levels near 5-10 parts per trillion (ppt).

These compounds are mainly produced by blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) and actinomycete bacteria and have musty, earthy odors. As such, they are of exceptional concern to drinking water facilities which draw their water from a surface water source, especially as the levels of algae rise and fall over the course of the year.

Technique

SM 6040D is performed using solid phase microextraction (SPME) and Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS).

Holding Time

Samples have a 3-day holding time. Samples not analyzed within this period must be discarded and replaced.

Container and Preservative

Collect all samples in 40-mL amber vials.

Shipping/Transport Instructions

Samples must be chilled to >0°C to ≤4°C or less at the time of collection and 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
Geosmin	19700-21-1	2 ppt
2-Methylisoborneol (MIB)	2371-42-8	2 ppt