Overview

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are often found in the manufacturing processes of paints, adhesives, petroleum products, pharmaceuticals, and refrigerants. Some are used as gasoline additives, solvents, hydraulic fluids, and dry-cleaning agents. This group of compounds belongs to the group of anthropogenic chemicals. VOC contamination of water resources is a human-health concern because many are toxic and are known or suspected human carcinogens. This International Standard specifies a method for the determination of volatile organic compounds. This comprises, for example, halogenated hydrocarbons, trihalogenated methanes, gasoline components (such as BTEX, MTBE, and ETBE), naphthalene, 2-ethyl-4-methyl-1,3-dioxolane, and highly odorous substances like geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol in drinking water, ground water, surface water, and treated waste water, by means of headspace solid-phase micro-extraction (HS-SPME) followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The limit of determination depends on the matrix, on the specific compound to be analysed, and on the sensitivity of the mass spectrometer. For most compounds to which this International Standard applies, it is at least 0,01 µg/l. Validation data related to a concentration range between 0,02 µg/l and 2,6 µg/l have been demonstrated in an interlaboratory trial. Additional validation data derived from standardization work show applicability of the method within a concentration range from 0,01 µg/l to 100 µg/l of individual substances. All determinations are performed on small sample amounts (such as sample volumes of 10 ml). This method may be applicable to other compounds not explicitly covered by this International Standard or to other types of water. However, it is necessary to demonstrate the applicability for each case. Major changes compared to DIN 38407-41:2011-06: - the scope has been extended to comprise a total of 63 volatile and medium volatile substances, including halogenated hydrocarbons, trihalogenated methanes, gasoline components (such as BTEX, MTBE, and ETBE), naphthalene, 2-ethyl-4-methyl-1,3-dioxolane, and highly odorous substances like geosmin and 2- methylisoborneol; - the method is now also applicable to the matrix "treated waste water"; - the performance data of the newly included substances were determined in an international interlaboratory trial carried out in June 2013, which also included the matrix "treated waste water". This document has been prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 147 "Water quality" in collaboration with Technical Committee CEN/TC 230 "Water analysis" the secretariat of which is held by DIN (Germany). The responsible German committee is Working Group NA 119-01-03-02-05 AK "Pflanzenbehandlungsmittel und leichtflüchtige Verbindungen, SPME-GC-Verfahren" ("Plant protection substances and easily volatile compounds, SPME-GC methods") at Working Committee NA 119-01-03 AA "Wasseruntersuchung" ("Water examination") at DIN Standards Committee Water Practice (NAW).

Document: references other documents

Responsible national committee

NA 119-01-03-02-05 AK - Plant protection substances and easily volatile compounds, SPME-GC methods (ISO/TC 147/SC 2/WG 57 SPME)  

Responsible european committee

CEN/TC 230 - Water analysis  

Responsible international committee

ISO/TC 147/SC 2 - Physical, chemical and biochemical methods