Methodology and Quality Assurance/Quality Control of Environmental Analysis - Fundamentals of Environmental Sampling and Analysis - page 103

For semivolatile organic compound (SVOCs) analysis, methods typically
include various extraction procedures using series 3500 (liquid-liquid
extraction, Soxhlet extraction, ultrasonic extraction) followed by clean-up
and then analysis by series 8000 methods using GC, HPLC, or IR.
For volatile organic compounds (VOCs), typical procedures include series
5000 method using headspace, purge-and-trap, azeotropic distillation,
vacuum distillation, and volatile organic sampling train (VOST), followed
by instrumental analysis with various GC methods.
The toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) (Method 1311) is
perhaps the most important of all 1000 series methods. The EPA has
maximum concentrations for a list of contaminants. If the TCLP test
determines that the contaminant concentration exceeds the regulatory level,
this waste is deemed to be toxic and hence ''hazardous.'' The hazardous
waste is then designated with an EPA hazardous waste number. For instance,
2,4-DNT has a regulatory level of 0.13 mg/L. If the TCLP leachate of a
waste contains 5 mg/L 2,4-DNT, this is hazardous waste and EPA HW No.
D016 is assigned to this waste.
Immunoassays (series 4000 methods) are commercially available test proto-
cols that are rapid, simple, and portable. Methods have been developed for
various compounds such as pentachlorophenol (PCP), 2,4-dichlorophenox-
yacteic acid (2,4-D), PCBs, petroleum hydrocarbons, PAHs, toxaphene,
chlordane, DDT, TNT, and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX).
Methods 0010-0100 are not as commonly used as other SW-846 methods.
Series 2000 is reserved for future addition.
5.1.2 Other Applicable Methods: APHA/ASTM/
OSHA/NIOSH/USGS/AOAC
APHA Methods
Entitled ''Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater,'' this
single volume method manual is available in print or CD-ROM. These methods are
probably the most widely used for water and wastewater analysis. The APHA
method was first published in 1905 (long before the creation of the U.S. EPA), and it
is currently the 21st edition jointly published by APHA (American Public Health
Association), AWWA (American Water Works Association), and WEF (Water
Environment Federation). The method is known as the ''mother'' of all methods and
is commonly referred to as the standard method (SM). Its method systems are
structured into the following:
Part 1000 Introduction
Part 2000 Physical and aggregate properties
Part 3000 Metals