Laboratory Analysis of Oxygenated Gasoline Constituents

Abstract

Assessment and remediation of oxygenated gasoline contamination in environmental samples requires that environmental laboratories perform specia-tion and quantification of each component accurately, reliably, and routinely. Reviews (Rhodes and Verstuyft, 2001; Uhler et al., 2000) of the available methodologies have been previously published. Concerns remain regarding the applicability of these methodologies, particularly to samples containing oxygenates in the form of ethers and alcohols. Standard methods for the preservation, preparation, and measurement of hydrocarbon components of gasoline in environmental samples have been thought to be adequate for the analyses of samples that also contain fuel oxygenates such as MTBE. We are beginning to learn that this is not the case and the reasons why. It is our purpose here to critically discuss these methodologies and associated problems with respect to speciation and quantification of fuel oxygenates in environmental samples and to suggest best practices from the available choices.