5.1 This practice is useful in identifying the major organic constituents in wastewater for support of effective in-plant or pollution control programs. Currently, the most practical means for tentatively identifying and measuring a range of volatile organic compounds is gas-liquid chromatography. Positive identification requires supplemental testing (for example, multiple columns, speciality detectors, spectroscopy, or a combination of these techniques).

1.1 This practice covers general guidance applicable to certain test methods for the qualitative and quantitative determination of specific organic compounds, or classes of compounds, in water by direct aqueous injection gas chromatography (1, 2, 3, 4).2

1.2 Volatile organic compounds at aqueous concentrations greater than about 1 mg/L can generally be determined by direct aqueous injection gas chromatography.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.