ASTM E2787-21 PDF

Full title and description

Standard Test Method for Determination of Thiodiglycol in Soil Using Pressurized Fluid Extraction Followed by Single Reaction Monitoring Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). This test method (Designation: E2787‑21) describes a performance‑based analytical procedure using pressurized fluid extraction (PFE) to extract thiodiglycol (TDG) from soil, followed by separation by liquid chromatography and detection/quantitation by tandem mass spectrometry operated in single reaction monitoring (SRM) mode.

Abstract

This standard specifies sample extraction, calibration, detection limits, and reporting conventions for TDG in soil. It was developed to provide qualitative and quantitative determination of TDG (a Schedule 2 Chemical Weapons Convention compound and mustard‑agent precursor) in environmental media, with method detection limits and a recommended reporting limit (RL) established from calibration procedures. The method is performance based and allows validated modifications to improve laboratory performance.

General information

• Status: Published / Active.
• Publication date: 30 April 2021 (current edition approved May 1, 2021).
• Publisher: ASTM International (ASTM).
• ICS / categories: 13.080.10 — Chemical characteristics of soils; Committee D34 — Waste Management / Subcommittee D34.01.06 Analytical Methods.
• Edition / version: E2787‑21 (Designation E2787 − 21). DOI: 10.1520/E2787-21.
• Number of pages: 9 pages (standard document length).

Scope

This procedure covers determination of thiodiglycol (TDG) in soil using a commercially available pressurized fluid extraction (PFE) system to extract analyte from soil, followed by liquid chromatography separation and tandem mass spectrometric detection using single reaction monitoring (SRM). The document defines method detection limits (MDL), a reporting limit (RL — listed as 200 ppb for the method as developed), calibration and quality control expectations, units (SI), and safety/limitations. It is intended for environmental, forensic, regulatory, and investigative applications where TDG presence and concentration in soils must be established.

Key topics and requirements

• Analyte: Thiodiglycol (TDG) — significance as a Schedule 2 CWC compound and mustard‑agent precursor.
• Extraction: Use of pressurized fluid extraction (PFE) systems (commercially available systems such as ASE were used during method development).
• Separation and detection: Liquid chromatography (LC) followed by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) using single reaction monitoring (SRM) for qualitative and quantitative determination.
• Performance characteristics: Method detection limit (MDL) established per 40 CFR Part 136, Appendix B; reporting limit (RL) reported as 200 ppb for the method as developed.
• Calibration and QC: Multi‑level calibration, control charts and precision/bias practices referenced (ASTM and EPA practices referenced in the standard).
• Units and reporting: SI units required; performance‑based method allowing validated modifications to improve laboratory performance.

Typical use and users

Environmental analytical laboratories, forensic laboratories, waste management laboratories, military and defense laboratories, public‑sector environmental regulators, and contractors performing site characterization or remediation where detection of chemical warfare agent precursors or related degradates in soil is required. The method is also useful for laboratories supporting Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) investigations, compliance testing, and emergency response sampling where TDG is a target analyte.

Related standards

Referenced and related documents cited in E2787‑21 include ASTM standards and regulatory methods used for method validation and ancillary procedures, for example: ASTM D1193 (reagent water), ASTM D2777 (precision and bias determination), ASTM D5681 (terminology for waste and waste management), ASTM E2554 (uncertainty estimation practices), EPA SW‑846 methods for solid/waste physical‑chemical methods, and regulatory guidance such as 40 CFR Part 136 (MDL procedures). National/adopted equivalents (for example, TCVN 13672:2023) have been published adopting ASTM E2787‑21.

Keywords

Thiodiglycol; TDG; pressurized fluid extraction; PFE; LC‑MS/MS; tandem mass spectrometry; single reaction monitoring; SRM; method detection limit; reporting limit; chemical weapons precursor; soil analysis; ASTM E2787‑21.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM E2787‑21 is a test method that defines a laboratory procedure for extracting and measuring thiodiglycol (TDG) in soil using pressurized fluid extraction followed by LC‑MS/MS operated in single reaction monitoring (SRM) mode.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers sample extraction (PFE), chromatographic separation, tandem mass spectrometric detection, calibration, QC/validation practices, and reporting conventions for TDG in soil. The document includes MDL and reporting range information (the method RL as developed is 200 ppb) and references relevant ASTM and regulatory test practices.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Environmental, forensic, defense, and regulatory laboratories analyzing soils for TDG (for site characterization, remediation verification, CWC‑related investigations, or regulatory compliance) typically use this method.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The designation currently in use is E2787‑21 (approved and published in 2021). Users should check with ASTM or their national standards body for any subsequent revisions or reissues after 2021 to confirm the current status before use.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: E2787‑21 is part of ASTM Committee D34 (Waste Management) test methods and references other ASTM analytical standards and regulatory methods; it sits within the family of environmental/soil analytical methods addressing extraction and chromatographic/mass spectrometric measurement of trace analytes. National adoptions (for example, TCVN 13672:2023) align with this document.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Thiodiglycol, TDG, PFE, pressurized fluid extraction, LC‑MS/MS, tandem mass spectrometry, SRM, soil analysis, reporting limit (RL), method detection limit (MDL).