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Validated Methods

SW-846 On-line

The promulgation of the Methods Innovation Rule (MIR) (70 FR 34547, June 14, 2005) allows for the use of any appropriate method for RCRA applications. These new SW-846 methods are intended to be guidance methods which contain general information on how to perform an analytical procedure or technique which a laboratory can use as a basic starting point for generating its own detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), either for its own general use or for a specific project application. Therefore these methods can be used for any RCRA applications for which their performance can be demonstrated to be appropriate, ie. applications for which they can be demonstrated to work.

Announcement

Final Update V of SW-846 was published in the Federal Register on August 13, 2015 (PDF) (7 pp, 254 K, About PDF).


Method 1340 - Nov 2013
Method 1316 - Oct 2012
Method 1315 - Jan 2013
Method 1314 - Jan 2013
Method 1313 - Oct 2012
Method 9016 - Jun 2010
Method 8272 - Dec 2007
Method 8271 - Jul 2007
Method 8170 - Jul 2007

Method 3571 - Jul 2007
Method 6860 - Jan 2007
Method 6850 - Jan 2007
Method 8330B - Oct 2006
Method 8261A - Oct 2006
Method 8260C - Aug 2006
Method 3542A - May 2005
Method 5021A - Jun 2003
Method 8015D - Jun 2003
Method 5030C - May 2003
Method 8323 - Jan 2003
Method 3570 - Nov 2002
Method 5035A - Jul 2002
Method 8265 - Mar 2002

The following methods have been updated and published in Update V of SW-846: 3200, 3511, 3572, 4025, 4430, 4435, 5021A, 8000C, 8276, 9013A, and 9015. Method files and the notice can be downloaded, reviewed, and commented on at the RCRA docket at: regulations.gov. The docket number is RCRA-2012-0072


You will need Adobe Reader to view some of the files on this page. See EPA's PDF page to learn more.

Method 1340 (PDF) (27 pp, 620 KB) [November 2013]
In Vitro Bioaccessibility Assay for Lead in Soil

Method 1340 is used to define the proper analytical procedure for the validated in vitro bioaccessibility (IVBA) assay for lead in soil. The method describes a leaching extraction procedure for the characterization of lead bioaccessibility in lead contaminated soil under field conditions. The sample is dried, sieved, and a portion is rotated in a buffered extraction fluid. The supernatant is separated from the sample by filtration and analyzed for lead by an appropriate analytical method (e.g., Method 6010 and Method 6020). The extraction is meant to mimic the process that occurs in the stomach when lead contaminated material is ingested. Knowledge of lead bioavailability is important because the amount of lead that actually enters the blood and body tissues from an ingested medium depends on the physical-chemical properties of the lead and of the medium.

At this time, this method has only been validated for lead-contaminated soil under field conditions and not for other matrices (eg, water, air, amended soils, dust, food, etc.)

Method 1316 (PDF) (20 pp, 331K) [October 2012]
Liquid-Solid Partitioning as a Function of Liquid-Solid Ratio using a Parallel Batch Extraction Procedure

Method 1316 describes a leaching extraction procedure for a granular solid material at five specified liquid-to-solid ratio (L/S) values used to assess how constituent leaching varies with the relative leachant volume in contact with a solid material under equilibrium conditions, and at the pH generated by the test material. Assessment of leaching over L/S of 0.5 to 10 mL/g-dry provides estimates of initial leachate and pore water composition, as well as cumulative release up to L/S of 10 mL/g-dry for constituents of potential concern (COPCs). The L/S of 10 mL/g-dry parameter is common with the L/S of the Method 1313 (Liquid-Solid Partitioning as a Function of Extract pH) extractions. The method also allows identification of the mode of leaching for constituents (wash out of highly soluble salts or solubility limited leaching) and estimation of constituent depletion by leaching. The results of Method 1314 (Liquid-Solid Partitioning as a Function of Liquid-solid Ratio) provide more reliable initial leaching concentration source term data for groundwater fate and transport modeling. This method also may be used in conjunction with Method 1313 (Leaching as a Function of Eluate pH) and with Method 1315 (Mass Transfer Rates in Monolithic and Compacted Granular Materials) for mass transfer rate controlled release (i.e., diffusion) from monolithic or compacted granular materials, as needed.

Method 1315 (PDF) (36 pp, 1.8 Mb) [January 2013]
Mass Transfer Rates of Constituents in Monolithic or Compacted Granular Materials Using a Semi-Dynamic Tank Leaching Procedure

Method 1315 is designed to provide the mass transfer rates (release rates) of inorganic analytes contained in a monolithic or compacted granular material, under diffusion-controlled release conditions, as a function of leaching time. Observed diffusivity and tortuosity may be estimated through analysis of the resulting leaching test data. This test method is intended as a means for obtaining a series of eluents which may be used to estimate the diffusivity of constituents and physical retention parameters of the solid material under specified laboratory conditions. This method is not applicable to characterize the release of organic analytes, with the exception of general dissolved organic carbon.

Method 1314 (PDF) (26 pp, 480 K) [January 2013]
Liquid-Solid Partitioning as a Function of Liquid-Solid Ratio for Constituents in Solid Materials Using an Up-Flow Percolation Column Procedure

Method 1314 is designed to provide the liquid-solid partitioning (LSP) of inorganic constituents (e.g., metals, radionuclides) and non-volatile organic constituents (e.g., polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, dissolved organic carbon, etc.) in a granular solid material as a function of liquid-to-solid ratio (L/S) under percolation conditions, using an up-flow column. This test method is intended as a means for obtaining a series of extracts (or eluates) of a granular solid material that may be used to show eluate concentrations and/or cumulative release as a function of L/S, which can be related to a time scale when data on mean infiltration rate, density, and column height are available. The eluates may provide insight into the impact of organic carbon release and the influence of dissolved organic carbon on the LSP of inorganic constituents.

Method 1313 (PDF) (28 pp, 641K) [October 2012]
Liquid-Solid Partitioning as a Function of Extract pH using a Parallel Batch Extraction Procedure

Method 1313 describes a leaching extraction procedure for a granular solid material at nine specified pH values used to assess how constituent leaching varies with leachant pH under equilibrium conditions. For many constituents of potential concern (COPCs), solubility and the extent of constituent partitioning into contacting water varies with pH; the pH of leachant in the field may also vary over the range of plausible management (disposal or reuse) options. This test provides information on the intrinsic leaching potential at different pH values, and allows evaluation of leaching potential over the range of plausible field pH values. This method also may be used in conjunction with Method 1314 (Liquid-Solid Partitioning as a Function of Liquid-Solid Ratio) or 1316 (Leaching as a Function of Liquid-to-Solid Ratio) for percolation through granular materials and with Method 1315 (Mass Transfer Rates in Monolithic and Compacted Granular Materials) for mass transfer rate controlled release (i.e., diffusion) from monolithic or compacted granular materials, as needed.

Method 9016 (PDF) (30 pp, 544K) [June 2010]
Free Cyanide in Water, Soils and Solid Wastes by Microdiffusion

This determinative method is used to measure free cyanide in wastewaters, ground waters, surface waters, drinking waters, soils and solid wastes.  This test method reports the cyanide that dissociates from simple cyanides or weakly-bound metal cyanide complexes at room temperature, from a solution at pH 6-6.5.

This test method does not determine strongly-bound metal cyanide complexes that resist dissociation, such as the hexacyanoferrates and gold cyanide, nor does it determine thiocyanate and cyanohydrin.

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Method 8272 (PDF) (34 pp, 266K) [December 2007]
Parent and Alkyl Polycyclic Aromatics In Sediment Pore Water By Solid-Phase Microextraction And Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry In Selected Ion Monitoring Mode

The EPA narcosis model for benthic organisms in sediments contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is based on the concentrations of dissolved PAHs in the interstitial water or pore water in sediment. Method 8272 covers the separation of pore water from PAH-impacted sediment samples, the removal of colloids, and the subsequent measurement of dissolved concentrations of the 10-parent PAHs and two alkylated daughter PAHs in the pore water samples.  This method directly determines the concentrations of dissolved PAHs in environmental sediment pore water, groundwater, and other water samples using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) for static sample collection followed by desorption into a gas chromatograph (GC) equipped with a mass spectrometric (MS) detector operated in the selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode for analyte identification and quantitation.

Method 8271 (PDF) (20 pp, 237K) [July 2007]
Assay of Chemical Agents in Solid and Aqueous Samples by Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometry, Electron Impact (GC/MS/EI)

Method 8271 describes the analysis of chemical agents in aqueous and solid samples by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS).  The method has been applied to concrete, charcoal, wood, water, brine, ash, coral, sand, and soil.  It involves introduction of the sample into gas chromatograph with mass spectrometric detector.  Samples can either be directly injected or desorbed from a solid sorbent.  Potential extraction techniques include Methods 3571 and 3572.  This determinative method may also be applicable to other chemically similar compounds and chemical agent degradation products.

Method 8170 (PDF) (18 pp, 205K) [July 2007]
Assay of Chemical Agents in Solid and Aqueous Samples by Gas Chromatography/Flame Photometric Detection (GC/FPD)

Method 8170 describes the analysis of chemical agents in aqueous and solid samples by gas chromatography/flame photometric detection (GCFPD).  The method has been applied to concrete, charcoal, wood, water, brine, ash, coral, sand, and soil.  It involves introduction of the sample into a gas chromatograph equipped with flame photometric detector.  Samples can either be directly injected or thermally desorbed from a solid sorbent.  Potential extraction techniques include Methods 3571 and 3572.  This determinative method may also be applicable to other chemically similar compounds and chemical agent degradation products.

Method 3571 (PDF) (14 pp, 139K) [July 2007]
Extraction of Solid and Aqueous Samples for Chemical Agents

Method 3571 describes the extraction of chemical agents from aqueous and solid samples using a microextraction technique. The method has been applied to concrete, charcoal, wood, water, brine, ash, coral, sand, and soil.  Potential determinative procedures include Methods 8170 and 8271.  This extraction technique may also be applicable to other chemically similar compounds and chemical agent degradation products.

Method 6860 (PDF) (31 pp, 219K) [January 2007]
Perchlorate in Water, Soils and Solid Wastes Using Ion Chromatography/Electrospray Ionization/Mass Spectrometry

This test method uses ion chromatography (IC) coupled with electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry (MS) or tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) for the determination of perchlorate in surface water, groundwater, wastewater, salt water, and soil.  Solids are first extracted prior to analysis using reagent water.  Aqueous samples and extracts are filtered, and analyzed via IC/MS (with or without fragmentation) or IC/MS/MS.  Perchlorate is detected and quantified using mass-to-charge (m/z) ratio 83 (or 99) for native perchlorate and internal standard calibration, based on the m/z ion 89 (or 107).  Additional confirmation of perchlorate identification is provided by monitoring the abundance ratio of the isotopic ions, m/z 83 (or 99) and 85 (or 101).  Method 6860 confirms perchlorate detection and overcomes many of the interference problems encountered when using IC/conductivity suppression analysis for perchlorate (Method 9058).  The method allows analytical flexibility - a variety of chromatographic conditions and analysis options have been validated and are provided in the test method. 

This method has not been fully validated for complex matrices, such as wastewater treatment sludges, using the recommended extraction procedure.  Additional studies will be undertaken to confirm if alternative extraction approaches will provide more efficient perchlorate recoveries in such matrices.

Method 6850 (PDF) (27 pp, 143) [January 2007]
Perchlorate in Water, Soils and Solid Wastes Using High Performance Liquid Chromatography/Electrospray Ionization/Mass Spectrometry

This test method uses high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry (MS) or tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) for the determination of perchlorate in surface water, groundwater, wastewater, salt water, and soil. Solids are first extracted prior to analysis using reagent water. Aqueous samples and extracts are filtered, and analyzed via HPLC/MS (with or without fragmentation) or HPLC/MS/MS. Perchlorate is detected and quantified using mass-to-charge (m/z) ratio 83 (or 99) for native perchlorate and internal standard calibration, based on the m/z ion 89 (or 107). Additional confirmation of perchlorate identification is provided by monitoring the abundance ratio of the isotopic ions, m/z 83 (or 99) and 85 (or 101). Method 6850 confirms perchlorate detection and overcomes many of the interference problems encountered when using IC/conductivity suppression analysis for perchlorate (Method 9058). The method allows analytical flexibility - a variety of chromatographic conditions and analysis options have been validated and are provided in the test method.

This method has not been fully validated for complex matrices, such as wastewater treatment sludges, using the recommended extraction procedure. Additional studies will be undertaken to confirm if alternative extraction approaches will provide more efficient perchlorate recoveries in such matrices.

Method 8330B (PDF) (60 pp, 285K) [October 2006]
Nitroaromatics, Nitramines and Nitrate Esters by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

There are three major changes associated with this method update:

  1. an update of information regarding use of up-to-date chromatographic columns and technology
  2. integration of Method 8332 analytes by inclusion of dual wavelength detector; and,
  3. addition of an appendix which addresses sampling issues for explosives and which contains many references.

This method is intended for the trace analysis of explosives and propellant residues by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using a dual wavelength UV detector.  This method provides a direct injection procedure for high level water samples, an extraction procedure for soils and sediments as well as a low level method for the extraction of water samples.  The use of solid-phase extraction, Method 3535, has been shown to provide equal or superior results and is preferred for low level aqueous samples.  All of these compounds are either used in the manufacture of explosives or propellants, are impurities in their manufacture, or they are the degradation products of compounds used for that purpose. Stock solutions for calibration are available through several commercial vendors.

Method 8261A (PDF) (99 pp, 487K) [October 2006]
Volatile Organic Compounds By Vacuum Distillation In Combination With Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (VD/GC/MS)

This is the version of this method that is recommended for use.  It has been updated from the previous version to incorporate the latest available vacuum distillation equipment and has been made consistent with Method 8260C.

This method is based on a vacuum distillation and cryogenic trapping procedure (Method 5032) followed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS).  The method incorporates internal standard-based matrix correction, where the analysis of multiple internal standards is used to predict matrix effects. The normalization of matrix effects has the impact of making Method 8261 analyses matrix independent and allows multiple matrices to be analyzed within a sample batch.  As a result, the calculations involved are specific to this method, and may not be used with data generated by another method.  This method includes all of the necessary steps from sample preparation through instrumental analysis. 

This method is used to determine the concentrations of volatile organic compounds, and some low-boiling semivolatile organic compounds, in a variety of liquid, solid, and oily waste matrices, as well as animal tissues.  This method differs from the use of Method 5032/8260 in the use of internal standards to measure matrix effects and compensate analyte responses for matrix effects.  This method is applicable to nearly all types of matrices, including water, soil, sediment, sludge, oil, and animal tissue.  This method should be considered for samples where matrix effects are anticipated to severely impact analytical results.

This method can be used to quantitate most volatile organic compounds that have a boiling point below 245°C and a water-to-air partition coefficient below 15,000, which includes compounds that are miscible with water.  Note that this range includes compounds not normally considered to be volatile analytes (e.g., nitrosamines, aniline, and pyridine). 

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Method 8260C (PDF) (92 pp, 324K) [August 2006]
Volatile Organic Compounds By Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry(GC/MS)

Method 8260C is a GC/MS method that is used to determine volatile organic compounds in a variety of solid waste matrices. This method is applicable to nearly all types of samples, regardless of water content, including various air sampling trapping media, ground and surface water, aqueous sludges, caustic liquors, acid liquors, waste solvents, oily wastes, mousses, tars, fibrous wastes, polymeric emulsions, filter cakes, spent carbons, spent catalysts, soils, and sediments. The RCRA analytes that have been determined by this method are listed in the table in Sec. 1.1

There are various techniques by which these compounds may be removed from the original matrices and introduced into the GC/MS system. The more common techniques are listed in the table in Sec. 1.1. Purge-and-trap, by Methods 5030 (aqueous samples) and 5035 (solid and waste oil samples), is the most commonly used technique for volatile organic analytes. However, other techniques are also appropriate and necessary for some analytes. These include direct injection following dilution with hexadecane (Method 3585) for waste oil samples; automated static headspace by Method 5021 for solid samples; direct injection of an aqueous sample (concentration permitting) or injection of a sample concentrated by azeotropic distillation (Method 5031); and closed system vacuum distillation (Method 5032) for aqueous, solid, oil and tissue samples. For air samples, Method 5041 provides methodology for desorbing volatile organics from trapping media (Methods 0010, 0030, and 0031). In addition, direct analysis utilizing a sample loop is used for sub-sampling from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) bags (Method 0040). Method 5000 provides more general information on the selection of the appropriate introduction method.

Method 3542A (PDF) (22 pp, 91K) [May 2005]
Extraction of Semivolatile Analytes Collected Using Method 0010 (Modified Method 5 Sampling Train)

Method 3542A describes the extraction of semivolatile organic compounds from samples collected by Method 0010. This method replaces the Sample Preparation section of Method 0010 (Modified Method 5 Sampling Train, also known as SemiVOST), which currently addresses preparation of Method 0010 train components for analysis with very little detail.

Method 5021A (PDF) (25 pp, 132K) [June 2003]
Volatile Organic Compounds in Various Sample Matrices Using Equilibrium Headspace Analysis

Method 5021 is a general purpose method for the preparation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in soil/sediment, solid waste, aqueous and water-miscible liquid samples for determination by gas chromatography (GC) or gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The method is applicable to a wide range of organic compounds that have sufficiently high volatility to be effectively removed from samples using an equilibrium headspace procedure. It is particularly useful as the sample preparation method for fuel oxygenates when both the ethers and alcohols are target analytes of concern.

Method 8015D (PDF) (37 pp, 202K) [June 2003]
Nonhalogenated Organics Using GC/FID

Method 8015D may be used to determine the concentrations of various nonhalogenated volatile organic compounds and semivolatile organic compounds, including fuel oxygenate compounds, by gas chromatography using a flame ionization detector (FID).

Method 5030C (PDF) (28 pp, 167K) [May 2003]
Purge-and-Trap for Aqueous Samples

Method 5030C describes a purge-and-trap procedure for the analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in aqueous samples and water miscible liquid samples. It also describes the analysis of high concentration soil and waste sample extracts prepared in Method 5035. The gas chromatographic determinative steps are found in Methods 8015 and 8021. The method is also applicable to GC/MS Method 8260.

Method 8323 (PDF) (22 pp, 119K) [January 2003]
Determination of Organotins by Micro-Liquid Chromatography- Electrospray Ion Trap Mass Spectrometry

Method 8323 is the first product of an EPA project to develop a series of class-specific Electrospray HPLC/MS methods to replace the obsolete Thermospray interface currently used in Method 8321. When the project is complete, EPA will issue a single integrated Electrospray HPLC/MS method. Method 8323 covers the use of solid-phase extraction (SPE) discs, solvent extractions (for biological tissues) as sample preparation methods, and micro-liquid chromatography ( LC) coupled with Electrospray ion trap mass spectrometry (ES-ITMS) [this technique would also be applicable to ES-quadrupole mass spectrometry (ES-MS)] for the determination of organotins (as the cation) in waters and biological tissues.

Method 3570 (PDF) (9 pp, 74K) [November 2002]
Microscale Solvent Extraction (MSE)

Method 3570 is a procedure for extracting selected volatile, semivolatile, and nonvolatile organic compounds from solid matrices such as soils, sludges, and wastes using a microscale approach which minimizes sample size and solvent usage, thereby reducing the supply costs, health and safety issues, and waste generated.

Method 5035A (PDF) (69 pp, 200K) [July 2002]
Closed-System Purge-and-Trap and Extraction for Volatile Organics in Soil and Waste Samples

This method describes a closed-system purge-and-trap sample preparation process for the analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in solid materials (e.g., soils, sediments, and solid waste). While the method is designed for use on samples containing low levels of VOCs, procedures are also provided for collecting and preparing solid samples containing high concentrations of VOCs and for oily wastes. In addition, the method contains an appendix with pertinent information and appropriate references based on EPA's evaluation of currently available data and technology as applied to the most appropriate sample handling and preservation procedures in order to minimize the loss of VOCs during the collection and analysis of aqueous and solid materials, such as groundwater, wastewater, soils, solid waste, or sediments. These procedures are designed to minimize the losses of VOCs through the two most common mechanisms, volatilization and biodegradation.

Method 8265 (PDF) (64 pp, 231K) [March 2002]
Volatile Organic Compounds in Water, Soil, Soil Gas and Air by Direct Sampling Ion Trap Mass Spectrometry (DSITMS)

This method uses direct sampling ion trap mass spectrometry (DSITMS) for the rapid quantitative measurement, continuous real-time monitoring, and qualitative and quantitative preliminary screening of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in water, soil, soil gas, and air. DSITMS introduces sample materials directly into an ion trap mass spectrometer by means of a simple interface (such as a capillary restrictor). There is little if any sample preparation and no chromatographic separation. The response of the instrument to analytes in a sample is nearly instantaneous. In addition, the instrument is field transportable, rugged, and relatively easy to operate and maintain.

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