Overview
EN ISO 18856:2005 (ISO 18856:2004) defines a validated analytical method for the determination of selected phthalates in water using solid‑phase extraction (SPE) followed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC‑MS). Adopted by CEN, the method applies to ground water, surface water, wastewater and drinking water. Target mass concentration range is roughly > 0.02 µg/L up to 0.150 µg/L, depending on the analyte and blank level. The standard lists 11 common phthalates (e.g., DMP, DEP, DBP, DiBP, BBzP, DEHP, DOP) and permits extension to other phthalates after suitability checks.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Principle: Extraction by SPE (RP‑C18 cartridges or equivalent) → separation on capillary GC → identification and quantification by MS.
- Scope and limits: Applicable to various water matrices with stated concentration range; applicability to additional phthalates must be verified per case.
- Quality control: Use of internal standards (e.g., diallyl phthalate, deuterated phthalates), multipoint calibration, blank determinations and recovery checks.
- Interferences & contamination control: Avoid plastic materials during sampling and analysis; control laboratory air, septa and cleaning agents; maximum allowed blank level referenced (see standard).
- Reagents and apparatus: High‑purity gases (N2, He), solvents (ethyl acetate, methanol, isooctane), baked alumina/adsorbents, GC‑MS instrumentation and suitable capillary columns.
- Sampling & handling: Follow guidance for sampling design, technique and preservation; pre‑treatment recommendations and recovery verification are included.
- Documentation: Calibration, calculation, expression of results, precision data and test reporting requirements are defined.
Practical applications
- Routine monitoring of drinking water, groundwater, surface water and wastewater for phthalate contamination.
- Regulatory compliance testing and environmental surveillance for plasticizer pollution.
- Source‑tracking studies, industrial discharge assessments and remediation monitoring.
- Method validation, inter‑laboratory comparisons and laboratory quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) programs.
Who should use this standard
- Environmental and public health laboratories performing organic micropollutant analyses.
- Water utilities and regulators monitoring compliance and consumer safety.
- Contract testing laboratories, research institutions and consulting firms involved in water quality assessment.
- Manufacturers and suppliers validating analytical methods for phthalate testing.
Related standards
Keywords: EN ISO 18856:2005, ISO 18856:2004, water quality, phthalates, GC‑MS, solid phase extraction, drinking water testing, environmental monitoring.
