New Application Specific Columns for Semi-volatile and ECD Methods Lead the Way to Higher Productivity in Environmental Laboratories

Significance of the topic

Environmental laboratories must meet stringent regulatory requirements for detecting semi-volatile organic compounds and halogenated contaminants in water, soil and air. High inertness, selectivity and resolution at trace levels are critical for confidence in results, rapid sample throughput and compliance with multiple EPA methods. Advances in column design, inert liners and supplementary tools directly address common bottlenecks in productivity and method robustness.

Objectives and Overview of the Study

This work presents two new product families from Agilent Technologies: DB-UI 8270D capillary columns tailored for GC/MS semi-volatile analysis and paired DB-CLP1/DB-CLP2 columns for dual electron capture detection (ECD). The goals were to:

• Optimize column inertness, peak shape and selectivity for trace semi-volatile and priority pollutants.
• Enable nine EPA organohalide and pesticide methods on a single dual-column ECD system without hardware swaps.
• Integrate productivity-enhancing accessories and free software tools to streamline method translation and reduce downtime.

Methodology and Instrumentation

A rigorous column testing protocol used low-temperature and ultra-low volume solvent checks with acidic, basic, diol and aromatic probes at nanogram levels to assess silanol activity, bleed and resolution. Representative analytes included small acids (propionic acid, pyridine), primary alcohols and diols, aromatic isomers (m&p-xylene), halogenated aromatics, and priority PAH isomers (benzo-b&k-fluoranthene).

Key instrumentation and configurations:

• GC/MS setup: Agilent 7890 GC coupled to 5975C MSD; He carrier, constant flow; MMI splitless injection; UI inert single-taper liners.
• Semi-volatile columns: DB-UI 8270D in 30 m×0.25 mm×0.25 μm and 20 m×0.18 mm×0.36 μm formats.
• Dual ECD: Paired DB-CLP1 (0.25 μm film) and DB-CLP2 (0.5 μm film) columns, both 30 m×0.32 mm, configured with a 1 m deactivated guard and inert tee splitter for simultaneous µECD detection.
• Additional tools: Ultra Inert liners with touch-less packaging, CFT low-dead-volume fittings, Gas Clean filters, free method translation software.

Main Results and Discussion

DB-UI 8270D columns demonstrated superior inertness as evidenced by sharp, symmetric peaks for strong acidic/basic probes and minimal bleed in long bake-outs. Resolution of challenging isomer pairs such as m&p-xylene and benzo-b vs. benzo-k fluoranthene consistently exceeded EPA requirements. A full semi-volatile standard of 29 compounds resolved in under 25 minutes with reproducible retention times.

DB-CLP1/DB-CLP2 sets successfully separated nine EPA-specified analyte groups—organohalide pesticides (Methods 504.1, 505, 508.1), chlorinated solvents/THMs/DBPs (551), haloacetic acids (552.3), extended organochlorine and PCB congeners (8081B, 8082A), Aroclors (8082Aroclors), and chlorophenoxy acid herbicides (8151A)—without column changes. Chromatograms showed clear baseline resolution of key analytes at routine concentrations (50–100 ng/mL) and consistent ECD response.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The new column and accessory suite enhances laboratory productivity by:

• Reducing method development time through free translation software that preserves elution order when adjusting dimensions or carrier gases.
• Eliminating column swap downtime for multiple EPA methods by using a single dual-column ECD configuration.
• Improving data quality with certified inert liners and columns tested for lot-to-lot consistency and trace-level performance.
• Enabling bulk packaging and competitive pricing for high-volume labs.

Future Trends and Possibilities for Use

Continued innovations are anticipated in ultra-inert coatings and micro-column formats to further speed run times while maintaining resolution. Integration of artificial intelligence into method translation tools could automate parameter optimization. Expanding turnkey GC-MS/ECD systems with on-board diagnostics and predictive maintenance will enhance uptime. Broader adoption of UHPLC-GC hyphenated workflows may extend applicability to emerging semi-volatile and halogenated contaminants of concern.

Conclusion

Agilent’s DB-UI 8270D and DB-CLP1/DB-CLP2 column sets represent a significant advance for environmental trace analysis, offering exceptional inertness, resolution and multi-method flexibility. Combined with innovative liners, fittings and software, these products streamline regulatory compliance, boost laboratory throughput and ensure reliable data for a wide range of semi-volatile and halogenated analytes.

References

1. Application Note 5991-0250EN: Semi-Volatile Analysis with Specifically Designed DB-UI 8270D Columns
2. Pittcon 2012 Poster: Why Inertness Matters in Gas Phase Analysis
3. LC/GC Article July 2011: Method Translation in Gas Chromatography
4. Application Note 5990-0207EN: Organohalide Pesticides in Water by GC/µECD with Agilent J&W DB-CLP1 and DB-CLP2
5. Application Note 5991-0541EN: Rapid Analysis of CLP Pesticides Using High-Temperature Agilent J&W DB-CLP1 and DB-CLP2 Columns
6. Application Note 5991-0615EN: Evaluating CLP and EPA Methods for Pesticides in Water Using Agilent J&W DB-CLP1/DB-CLP2 GC Columns
7. Agilent J&W Column Selection Guide 5990-9867EN