EN ISO 17943:2016 PDF

Overview

EN ISO 17943:2016 specifies a validated laboratory method for the determination of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in water using headspace solid-phase micro-extraction (HS‑SPME) followed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‑MS). The standard covers a wide range of VOCs (see Table 1) - for example, halogenated hydrocarbons, trihalogenated methanes, gasoline components (BTEX, MTBE, ETBE), naphthalene, and odorous compounds such as geosmin and 2‑methylisoborneol - in matrices including drinking water, groundwater, surface water, and treated wastewater. Typical determinations use small sample volumes (e.g., 10 ml). Reported limits of determination depend on matrix and instrument sensitivity; for most compounds the method reaches at least 0.01 µg/L. Interlaboratory validation covered 0.02–2.6 µg/L, and additional data support applicability from 0.01 µg/L to 100 µg/L for individual substances.

Key Topics and Requirements

• Analytical principle: HS‑SPME extraction of the headspace above a water sample, followed by GC‑MS for separation and identification.
• Scope of compounds: Halogenated hydrocarbons, trihalomethanes, BTEX, oxygenates (MTBE/ETBE), naphthalenes, and selected odorous VOCs (full list in Table 1).
• Sensitivity & validation: Limits depend on matrix and MS sensitivity; validated ranges and interlaboratory trial results are provided.
• Sample size and pretreatment: Small-volume sampling (example: 10 ml); procedures for sampling and pretreatment are specified to avoid interferences.
• Quality control: Calibration strategies, internal standards, blank measurements and performance data are described.
• Method details in annexes: Examples of suitable SPME fibres, GC columns, internal standards, chromatographic conditions, and performance data are provided as informative annexes.
• Applicability note: Use for other compounds or water types requires demonstration of applicability.

Applications and Users

This standard is intended for laboratories and organizations involved in water quality and environmental monitoring:

• Drinking water laboratories assessing compliance and safety.
• Environmental and groundwater monitoring teams tracking VOC contamination.
• Wastewater treatment facilities evaluating treated effluent VOC profiles.
• Contract analytical labs and consultants providing VOC testing services.
• Instrument manufacturers and method developers validating HS‑SPME/GC‑MS workflows.

Benefits include low sample volume, reduced solvent use (SPME), and high sensitivity for trace VOC detection.

Related Standards (if applicable)

• Developed by ISO/TC 147 (Water quality) and adopted by CEN as EN ISO 17943:2016.
• Complementary ISO/CEN documents on water analysis and other VOC methods may be relevant when defining full monitoring programs or regulatory compliance testing.

Keywords: VOCs in water, HS‑SPME, GC‑MS, volatile organic compounds, water quality standard, drinking water analysis, low‑level VOC detection.