TM99-03 Analysis of Total Phenols

A new method will be used to analyze water samples for total recoverable phenol at the National Water Quality Laboratory (NWQL). The method is entitled "Phenols," the method number is 5530, and it is published by the American Public Health Association (APHA) (1995). This method offers improved preservation and analytical procedures. The preliminary Method Detection Limit (MDL) will be 2 micrograms per liter (µg/L) and the Minimum Reporting Level (MRL) will be 4 µg/L. The sampling requirements for this method are different than the previous method. Samples will be collected in amber, 500-milliliter (mL) baked glass bottles filled to the shoulder. One mL of concentrated sulfuric acid will be added to the sample water in each bottle, to reduce the pH to less than 2. This preservation procedure is good for 28 days. If residual chlorine or other oxidants are expected in the sample, 100 milligrams of ferrous sulfate will be added to the acidified sample. Samples will be stored at 4 degrees Celsius in the field and shipped to the NWQL on ice, in the proper shipping coolers. The samples must be received in the NWQL within 7 days of the sampling date so that the analysis can be completed within 28 days of the sampling date. The sample bottles, 1-mL ampoules of sulfuric acid and ferrous sulfate, can be procured from the Quality of Water Service Unit in Ocala, Florida (e-mail ocalaman). The ferrous sulfate along with instructions can be procured from the Ocala laboratory. The new lab code will be 2322 and the new method code will be B. The WATSTORE code will not be changed. The method change will be effective October 15, 1998.