EPA Method 1668 Instrumentation Guide

EPA Method 1668 is a high-resolution analytical method designed for the identification and quantification of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in environmental samples, including water, soil, sediment, and biological tissues. This method relies on gas chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (GC-HRMS) to achieve ultra-trace detection levels. EPA 1668 requires the use of ¹³C-labeled PCB internal standards for isotope dilution quantification. HRMS systems must support isotope dilution quantification using ¹³C-labeled internal standards for regulatory compliance. Due to the persistence and toxicity of PCBs, accurate analysis is critical for regulatory compliance and environmental monitoring. Laboratories must use HRMS instruments with resolving power of at least 10,000 to effectively separate PCB congeners from background interferences and ensure precise isotope-dilution quantification.

A photo of a refurbished AGILENT GC system for EPA METHOD 1668 that links to a catalog of gas chromatography equipment.

To meet the stringent requirements of EPA Method 1668, GC-HRMS systems must support Selected Ion Monitoring (SIM) mode to enhance selectivity and minimize interference. This method requires stable ionization, precise mass resolution, and highly reproducible data acquisition. While modern HRMS systems incorporate advanced automation features, regulatory testing still necessitates manual review to ensure data accuracy. Below, we explore the best analytical instruments available for EPA Method 1668 applications, offering laboratories the precision, reproducibility, and compliance necessary for high-quality PCB analysis.

Please click here to learn more about Method 1668.

Waters AutoSpec HRMS + Agilent 7890 GC for EPA Method 1668

The Waters AutoSpec HRMS is a high-resolution magnetic sector mass spectrometer designed for ultra-trace PCB analysis. To fully comply with EPA Method 1668, the AutoSpec HRMS must be paired with an external gas chromatograph, such as the Agilent 7890 GC, to provide the necessary chromatographic separation of PCB congeners. This system offers resolving power greater than 10,000, ensuring precise detection of PCBs in complex environmental matrices.

Operating in SIM mode, the AutoSpec HRMS minimizes spectral interferences and enhances signal-to-noise ratios for accurate isotope-dilution quantification. The Agilent 7890 GC provides stable retention times and superior chromatographic resolution, optimizing peak separation. Waters’ software integrates advanced data processing tools for spectral deconvolution, but manual review remains essential for regulatory compliance. Laboratories requiring a flexible and high-performance GC-HRMS solution will benefit from the precision and reliability of the Waters AutoSpec HRMS paired with the Agilent 7890 GC.

Thermo Scientific DFS High-Resolution GC-MS for EPA Method 1668

The Thermo Scientific DFS High-Resolution GC-MS is an industry-leading system for ultra-trace PCB analysis under EPA Method 1668. It features a double-focusing sector field mass spectrometer, achieving mass resolution above 10,000, ensuring accurate separation of PCB congeners from interferences. This resolving power is essential for precise isotope-dilution quantification, a key requirement of the method. The DFS operates in SIM mode, allowing for enhanced selectivity and minimal spectral noise.

With its extended dynamic range and excellent mass stability, the DFS HRMS ensures consistent and reproducible results across a wide concentration range. The system’s compatibility with automated sample introduction enhances efficiency, while its robust ion optics reduce background noise for improved signal detection. Thermo Scientific’s software suite streamlines data processing, spectral deconvolution, and compliance documentation, making the DFS HRMS a trusted choice for regulatory-driven PCB monitoring and analysis.

JEOL JMS-800D and JMS-TQ4000GC HRMS for EPA Method 1668

The JEOL JMS-800D and JMS-TQ4000GC are complete GC-HRMS systems specifically designed for EPA Method 1668 compliance. These instruments incorporate high-resolution double-focusing sector field mass spectrometry, providing mass resolution greater than 10,000 to ensure precise differentiation of PCB congeners. Their ability to operate in SIM mode enhances selectivity, reducing interference and improving the accuracy of isotope-dilution quantification.

Both JEOL HRMS systems feature stable ion optics, extended mass range capabilities, and long-term performance reliability, making them ideal for high-precision environmental analysis. Their advanced electron ionization (EI) sources maximize ion transmission efficiency, further improving sensitivity for ultra-trace PCB detection. JEOL’s integrated software streamlines data analysis while allowing manual verification for regulatory reporting. These complete GC-HRMS solutions provide excellent reproducibility and robust performance for laboratories conducting large-scale PCB monitoring and compliance testing.

Choosing the Right GC-HRMS System for EPA Method 1668

  • For ultra-trace detection: The Thermo Scientific DFS HRMS provides industry-leading resolving power and sensitivity, ensuring precise quantification of low-level PCBs.
  • For advanced chromatographic separation: The Waters AutoSpec HRMS, when paired with the Agilent 7890 GC, delivers stable retention times and enhanced separation of PCB congeners.
  • For complete GC-HRMS solutions: The JEOL JMS-800D and JMS-TQ4000GC are fully integrated systems designed specifically for EPA 1668 applications, offering high mass resolution and excellent selectivity.
  • For enhanced data processing: These HRMS systems operate in SIM mode, reducing spectral interferences and improving the accuracy of isotope-dilution quantification, a critical requirement for PCB analysis.

EPA Method 1668 demands high-resolution mass spectrometry to achieve accurate PCB quantification in environmental samples. The Thermo Scientific DFS HRMS, Waters AutoSpec HRMS with Agilent 7890 GC, and JEOL JMS-800D and JMS-TQ4000GC provide state-of-the-art solutions for laboratories focused on regulatory compliance and high-precision analysis. Each system meets the method’s stringent mass resolution and SIM mode requirements, ensuring reliable and reproducible results.

Contact us today to explore our selection of high-performance GC-HRMS systems. We offer certified refurbished instruments that provide cost-effective solutions for EPA Method 1668 applications while maintaining precision, efficiency, and regulatory compliance in PCB analysis.