EPA Method 555 Instrumentation Guide

EPA Method 555 is a liquid chromatography procedure used to determine chlorinated acid herbicides in drinking water, ground water, and surface water. This method employs high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a photodiode array (PDA) or diode array detector (DAD), ensuring reliable compound identification based on retention time and UV spectra. To meet detection limits and resolution criteria, laboratories must utilize HPLC systems with stable flow control, spectral scanning capabilities, and reproducible performance across multiple water sample types.

A photo of AGILENT HPLC DAD System for EPA Method 555 that links to a catalog of Liquid Chromatography equipment.

Key instrumentation for EPA Method 555 includes systems with strong spectral resolution, low baseline noise, and precise gradient delivery. These features enable laboratories to confidently detect regulated herbicides, including 2,4-D and MCPA. Sample extraction typically involves solid-phase techniques, and the analytical system must provide accurate separation of multiple analytes. The instruments listed below offer method-compliant features and are widely trusted in regulatory water testing workflows.

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Agilent 1260 Infinity II HPLC System with DAD and BinPump for EPA Method 555

The Agilent 1260 Infinity II HPLC System, configured with a Diode Array Detector (DAD) and Binary Pump, is ideal for EPA Method 555. Its high-pressure binary gradient ensures precise flow control, while the DAD supports multi-wavelength detection with fast spectral acquisition. This combination enhances selectivity and sensitivity for chlorinated herbicides in complex water matrices. The Infinity II design also supports enhanced retention time precision and robust peak resolution.

OpenLab CDS software simplifies method development and automates validation, making regulatory reporting seamless. The system’s modular design provides excellent uptime, scalability, and workflow efficiency for public and private environmental testing labs. With its proven performance, high-resolution detection, and advanced gradient control, the 1260 Infinity II is a preferred choice for labs conducting EPA Method 555 herbicide analysis.

Shimadzu Prominence or Nexera HPLC with SPD-M20A PDA Detector for EPA Method 555

The Shimadzu Prominence and Nexera Series, equipped with the SPD-M20A photodiode array detector, deliver excellent detection performance for EPA Method 555. These systems provide exceptional wavelength accuracy, high spectral resolution, and excellent linearity for quantifying multiple chlorinated herbicides. Advanced pump modules ensure stable gradients and precise flow even during long analytical runs.

LabSolutions software integrates spectral library tools and customizable QA/QC workflows, simplifying regulatory compliance. The Prominence platform is known for its durability and performance, while the Nexera series offers enhanced automation and throughput for high-demand labs. Both configurations are well-suited for EPA Method 555 due to their sensitivity, reproducibility, and rugged analytical stability across diverse water samples.

Waters Alliance e2695 with 2998 PDA Detector for EPA Method 555

The Waters Alliance e2695 HPLC, combined with the 2998 PDA Detector, provides exceptional UV-Vis spectral analysis for EPA Method 555. The 2998’s wide dynamic range and rapid wavelength acquisition allow laboratories to identify target analytes with confidence. The e2695 ensures precise gradient delivery, excellent injection repeatability, and consistent retention times, which are critical for regulatory testing.

Empower software offers robust compliance tracking, integrated spectral analysis, and automated batch reporting. This setup is a mainstay in regulatory labs for its ruggedness, reliability, and long-term performance. The Alliance system is especially valuable for facilities conducting routine herbicide testing in municipal and environmental monitoring programs, supporting consistent EPA 555 compliance.

Thermo Scientific UltiMate 3000 HPLC with DAD-3000 Series for EPA Method 555

The Thermo Scientific UltiMate 3000, paired with the DAD-3000 Series Detector, offers a powerful solution for EPA Method 555. It features reliable solvent delivery, high-speed sample injection, and rapid spectral scanning across a wide wavelength range. The DAD-3000 ensures accurate compound identification by capturing complete spectral data for each analyte, enhancing selectivity and reducing false positives.

Chromeleon CDS software streamlines data acquisition, spectral verification, and regulatory documentation, making the system highly efficient for environmental testing workflows. With excellent signal stability and modular expandability, the UltiMate 3000 supports laboratories that require scalable, high-performance systems for herbicide analysis in compliance with EPA Method 555.

PerkinElmer Flexar HPLC with PDA Detector for EPA Method 555

The PerkinElmer Flexar HPLC system, configured with a PDA detector, provides reliable UV spectral acquisition for EPA Method 555. Its high-pressure pump ensures accurate gradient delivery for separating multiple herbicides across a range of polarities. The Flexar’s PDA module delivers excellent signal-to-noise performance, allowing accurate quantification at low microgram-per-liter levels.

TotalChrom software integrates batch processing, QA/QC checks, and compliance-ready reporting, optimizing lab productivity. The system is compact, user-friendly, and highly customizable, making it a strong fit for laboratories with routine herbicide testing needs. Flexar’s reliability and spectral precision make it a trusted solution for chlorinated acid herbicide analysis under EPA Method 555.

JASCO LC-4000 Series with MD-4015 PDA Detector for EPA Method 555

The JASCO LC-4000 Series HPLC system, equipped with the MD-4015 PDA detector, delivers excellent optical stability and high-resolution UV detection. This configuration provides complete spectral profiling of EPA 555 analytes, enabling confident compound identification and peak purity analysis. Its advanced wavelength programming supports rapid multi-analyte quantification.

SpectraManager software allows method validation, spectral comparison, and compliance reporting in a single interface. The LC-4000 system’s modular build and low-maintenance design make it a practical option for laboratories that value ease of use and reliability. For chlorinated acid herbicide analysis, this system meets EPA Method 555 requirements with dependable accuracy and spectral fidelity.

Choosing the Right HPLC System for EPA Method 555

  • For regulatory precision: The Agilent 1260 Infinity II and Waters Alliance e2695 offer industry-trusted performance and excellent DAD/PDA sensitivity.
  • For advanced automation: The Shimadzu Nexera and Thermo UltiMate 3000 provide scalable throughput with robust spectral acquisition and compliance features.
  • For cost-effective performance: The PerkinElmer Flexar and JASCO LC-4000 deliver consistent detection with practical software tools for Method 555 workflows.

EPA Method 555 requires HPLC systems with precise solvent delivery and high-resolution PDA or DAD detection to ensure accurate herbicide quantification. The instruments featured here offer strong performance, regulatory compliance, and workflow efficiency. Contact us today to explore our inventory of certified refurbished HPLC systems tailored for EPA Method 555 applications.