Abstract
ABSTRACT
EPA Methods 8240, 8270 (GC/MS), and 8330 (HPLC) from SW-846 were evaluated at three prominent laboratories for a select list of 36 compounds that were spiked into a relatively simple groundwater matrix. Sample preparation was designed to simulate a groundwater contamination problem at an abandoned waste site and samples were prepared as blind triplicates to facilitate statistical analyses for precision and bias. Results from the assessment of bias (accuracy, recovery) indicated that the three laboratories that took part in the study were not able to meet EPA's quality assurance criteria for a large percentage of the 36 compounds included in the study. The assessment for precision revealed precision varies from laboratory to laboratory, for different methods, and for specific compounds. A large number of false positive and negative observations resulted at all laboratories to varying degrees. The list of Appendix VIII compounds reportedly amenable to Methods 8240 and 8270 was found to be somewhat less than reported by EPA. Method 8330 was found to be completely inadequate for the detection and quantification of the three compounds included in the study. The statement by EPA that SW-846 contain the analytical methods for all (375) Appendix VIII compounds (excluding exotics and water reactive compounds)
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