ISO 17943-2016 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 17943:2016 — Water quality — Determination of volatile organic compounds in water — Method using headspace solid-phase micro-extraction (HS‑SPME) followed by gas chromatography‑mass spectrometry (GC‑MS). This International Standard specifies a solvent‑free HS‑SPME/GC‑MS procedure for the qualitative and quantitative determination of a wide range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in drinking water, groundwater, surface water and treated wastewater.

Abstract

ISO 17943:2016 defines the HS‑SPME sampling and GC‑MS analysis conditions for a list of VOCs (including halogenated hydrocarbons, trihalomethanes, gasoline components such as BTEX, MTBE and ETBE, naphthalene, certain odour compounds like geosmin and 2‑methylisoborneol). The method is applicable on small sample volumes (e.g. 10 ml) with limits of determination that depend on matrix and MS sensitivity; for most target compounds the method achieves at least about 0.01 µg/l, and validation data demonstrate applicability approximately from 0.01 µg/l up to 100 µg/l for individual substances.

General information

• Status: Published (International Standard; confirmed following systematic review).
• Publication date: 5 April 2016 (publication process completed April 2016).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 13.060.50 — Examination of water for chemical substances.
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2016).
• Number of pages: 43 pages.

Scope

This standard specifies a laboratory method for determining volatile organic compounds in various water matrices using headspace solid‑phase micro‑extraction (HS‑SPME) followed by gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection (GC‑MS). It covers the procedure from sample handling and preparation, SPME fibre conditioning and extraction, GC‑MS analysis, calibration and quality controls, through to expression of results. The method is intended for routine monitoring and investigative analyses where low detection limits and solvent‑free extraction are required.

Key topics and requirements

• Principle: HS‑SPME adsorption of VOCs from the headspace onto an SPME fibre, thermal desorption into the GC inlet, separation by GC and detection/identification by MS.
• Target analytes: wide spectrum of VOCs (e.g., halogenated solvents, BTEX, MTBE, ETBE, naphthalene, selected odourants); full list referenced in the standard's Table 1.
• Matrices covered: drinking water, groundwater, surface water and treated waste water.
• Sample volume and handling: small sample volumes (typical example 10 ml) with guidance on preconditioning, blanks and contamination control.
• Performance and limits: method detection/quantification limits depend on matrix and instrument sensitivity; demonstrated performance down to ~0.01 µg/l for many compounds and validated over a broader range in interlaboratory trials.
• Instrument and consumables: requirements and guidance for SPME fibre types and conditioning, GC‑MS parameters, and calibration materials (internal standards, calibration curves).
• Quality assurance: procedural blanks, fibre performance checks, sequence controls, calibration verification and documentation of measurement uncertainty and detection limits.
• Reporting: content and format of test reports, expression of results and relevant metadata to support traceability and comparability.

Typical use and users

Laboratories performing water quality monitoring and compliance testing, environmental contract labs, water utilities, research institutions and regulatory agencies commonly use this method. It is suited for routine monitoring programs, investigative surveys for VOC contamination, and research where small sample volumes and solvent‑free extraction are advantageous. Manufacturers and suppliers of SPME fibres and GC‑MS instrumentation also use the standard for method performance benchmarking.

Related standards

Commonly referenced companion standards include parts of the ISO 5667 series on sampling (guidance on sampling design, preservation and handling), ISO 3696 on water for analytical laboratory use, and standards on method calibration and validation such as ISO 8466‑1. Users should consult relevant national/regional implementing documents and sampling standards to ensure complete compliance with sampling and chain‑of‑custody procedures.

Keywords

ISO 17943:2016, water quality, volatile organic compounds, VOC, HS‑SPME, headspace solid‑phase micro‑extraction, GC‑MS, BTEX, MTBE, method validation, detection limit, water sampling.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 17943:2016 is an ISO International Standard that specifies a laboratory method for determination of volatile organic compounds in water using headspace solid‑phase micro‑extraction followed by gas chromatography‑mass spectrometry (HS‑SPME/GC‑MS).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the analytical procedure (extraction, GC‑MS analysis), instrument and SPME fibre handling, calibration and quality control, applicability to drinking, ground, surface and treated wastewater matrices, and reporting of results.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Environmental and public‑health analytical laboratories, water utilities, regulatory bodies, contract testing labs, research institutions and instrument/fibre manufacturers.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2016 edition (Edition 1) is published and was last systematically reviewed and confirmed in 2021; it remains the current ISO version as of the latest ISO record.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is a standalone analytical method standard but is typically used alongside the ISO 5667 sampling series and other analytical‑quality standards (e.g., ISO 3696, ISO 8466‑1) to provide a complete monitoring workflow.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: HS‑SPME, GC‑MS, VOCs, water quality, BTEX, MTBE, method validation, detection limit, sample preservation.