How Do You Tackle Sample Prep for Diverse SVOCs?

Analysis of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in surface water, groundwater, and wastewater is essential to environmental monitoring. Since the early 1980s, US EPA Methods 8270 and 625 have provided key guidance for the determination of acidic, basic, and neutral SVOCs in aqueous samples by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Today, these methods encompass more than 200 target analytes across diverse chemical classes, including polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons, pesticides, anilines, pyridines, quinolines, and related compounds.

This webinar will compare the performance of the primary extraction techniques used for SVOC analysis in aqueous matrices: separatory funnel liquid-liquid extraction, continuous liquid-liquid extraction, and solid phase extraction. Special attention will be given to recent improvements for historically challenging compounds, including phenols, NDMA, benzidine, 3,3'-dichlorobenzidine, and pyridine. In addition to analytical performance, the presentation will address practical laboratory considerations such as solvent consumption, sample throughput, workflow efficiency, and the processing of difficult matrices. Attendees will gain a technical perspective on how extraction method selection can influence SVOC recovery, operational efficiency, and overall data quality in environmental laboratory testing.

By attending this presentation, you will:

• Improve performance of SVOC extraction techniques used for aqueous samples, including separatory funnel liquid-liquid extraction, continuous liquid-liquid extraction, and solid phase extraction.
• Gain strategies for improving recovery of challenging compounds, such as phenols, NDMA, benzidine, 3,3'-dichlorobenzidine, and pyridine, within EPA Methods 8270 and 625 workflows.
• Understand practical laboratory considerations including solvent use, sample throughput, workflow efficiency, and performance with complex or difficult water matrices.

What you need to know:

Start times:

• Broadcast 1: 8 am BST (London/Lisbon) / 9 am CEST (Paris/Berlin) / 12:30 pm IST (New Delhi) / 3 pm CST (Beijing) / 4 pm JST (Tokyo)
• Broadcast 2: 8 am CDT (Chicago) / 9 am EDT (New York) / 2 pm BST (London/Lisbon) / 3 pm CEST (Paris/Berlin)
• Broadcast 3: 10 am PDT (Los Angeles) / 12 pm CDT (Chicago) / 1 pm EDT (New York)

Duration: Approximately 1 hour

Presenter: Vincent Tran (Chemist, Inland Empire Utilities Agency)

Vincent Tran is a Chemist at Inland Empire Utilities Agency and has been with the agency for 14 years. He has 21 years of experience in analytical chemistry and is committed to improving analytical methods and producing accurate, reliable, and defensible data to support regulatory compliance.

Presenter: Evan Walters (Market Segment & Applications Manager, Biotage)

Evan Walters, MSc, is a Regional Market Segment & Applications Manager for Biotage and has been with the company for 8 years. He is passionate about science and analytical chemistry in the environmental, food and agriculture market segments. He has previously held roles as an environmental chemist, geochemist, and technical sales representative. Walters received a Master of Science in Geochemistry from Southern Illinois University.