1. Introduction
1.1 Scope
This method describes the collection and analysis Of airborne tributyltin fluoride (TBTF).
It is applicable for time-weighted average exposure evaluations. The analysis
is based on the technique of graphite furnace atomic absorption.
1.2 Physical and Chemical Properties
(C4H9)3 SnF |
Mol. wt. |
- |
309.04 |
Crystal |
% Sn |
- |
3 8.41 |
2. Range and Detection Limit
2.1 The lower analytical limit for TBTF is 0.1 µg/ml.
2.2 This is based on a detection limit of .02 µg/ml for graphite
furnace analysis of Sn as TBTF in 1-propanol.
3. Precision and Accuracy
3.1 Precision |
S = 0.019 |
3.2 Coefficient of Variation |
CV = 0.019 |
3.3 Recovery |
Average mean recovery = 0.996 |
The above are based on recovery data for eighteen FWSB-PVC filters, spiked
with TBTF in 1-propanol at 1/2, 1, and 2× the PEL based on a 200 liter air volume and 0.1 mg/m³ PEL. Six
samples were spiked at each level. Refer to addendum for data on recovery study.
4. Interferences
Other organotins would interfere if they are insoluble in 1-propanol.
5. Sampling Procedure
The sample is collected on a FWSB-PVC filter (0.8 µm, 37 nm diameter) at
a flow rate of 1-2 L/min.
The recommended air volume is 200 L.
The sample cassettes are plugged, sealed with OSHA tape, labeled, and
sent to the laboratory for analysis as soon as possible.
6. Analytical Procedure
6.1 Apparatus
6.1.1 Sample collection
Personal sampling pumps
AA sampling cassettes as needed.
6.1.2 Sample analysis
Atomic absorption spectrophotometer
HGA graphite furnace
Electrodeless discharge lamp for Sn
Laboratory glassware
6.2 Reagents
All reagents should be ACS analyzed reagent grade or better.
6.2.1 1-Propanol
6.2.2 Stock tributyltin fluoride
6.3 Safety precautions
6.3.1 Use caution when handling 1-propanol and organotins. Tributyltin fluoride is a toxic compound. Always
wear rubber gloves and work under a fume hood. Waste organics should be collected in a suitable marked container and properly
disposed of in the organic laboratory.
6.3.2 Avoid using glassware with chips or sharp edges. Never pipette by mouth.
6.3.3 Before using the graphite furnace, the analyst should read the operator's manual and be familiar with the equipment. Ensure
that the furnace tube is properly seated, the contact rings are clean, and that cooling water is circulating. Do
not exceed an atomization temperature of 2750 degrees. Heating or cooling problems could cause the tube to explode on atomization.
Always wear safety glasses and never look at the tube during atomization. Even during normal firing, the intense light is harmful to the eyes.
Be aware of the high current supplied to the furnace through the copper cables; check that the insulating cover is in place over the terminals.
Since toxic substances are vented by the furnace, a fume hood must be in operation over the furnace.
6.3.4 Observe care with respect to harming the equipment. Do not operate an EDL below its recommended wattage. Be certain that the
purge air is circulating when using the background corrector. Do not operate any equipment without first reading its instruction manual.
6.4 Glassware Preparation
6.4.1 Clean the 50 mL volumetric flasks by refluxing with 1:1 nitric acid. Thoroughly rinse all glassware with D.I. water, invert,
and allow to dry.
6.5 Standard Preparation
6.5.1 The procedure is to analyze the tin in tributyl tin fluoride. Prepare the standards by diluting stock TBTF in
1-propanol assuming a theoretical tin content of 38.41%.
6.5.2 Prepare a stock solution by weighing 0.26035 g TBTF into a 100 ml volumetric flask, diluting to volume with 1-propanol and mixing well.
This is equivalent to 1000 ppm Sn.
From this, a 10 ppm Sn stock solution is made by two serial 10-fold dilutions.
6.5.3 Working standards are prepared from the 10 ppm Sn stock as follows:
|
Prepared std. |
Std. soln. used |
Aliquot |
Dil. vol. |
|
1.0 ppm |
10.0 ppm |
5 mL |
50 mL |
0.4 ppm |
10.0 ppm |
2 mL |
50 mL |
0.2 ppm |
1.0 ppm |
10 mL |
50 mL |
0.1 ppm |
1.0 ppm |
5 mL |
50 mL |
0.04 ppm |
1.0 ppm |
2 mL |
50 mL |
0.02 ppm |
1.0 ppm |
1 mL |
50 mL |
6.6 Sample Preparation
Transfer the FWSB-PVC filter to a clean 50 mL volumetric flask. Add 40 mL 1-propanol to each flask and sonicate for 5 minutes.
Dilute to volume with 1-propanol and invert several times to ensure thorough mixing.
6.7. Analysis
The analysis is done by graphite furnace/AA. The instrumental parameters for determining Sn in 1-propanol are as follows:
Atomic absorption unit: |
|
Sn wavelength |
224.6 nm |
integ. time |
10 sec. |
slit width |
0.7 low |
signal |
Pk. Ht. |
mode |
Abs. |
BGC |
on |
Furnace parameters: |
|
step |
temperature |
ramp time |
hold time |
internal flow |
|
dry |
100 C |
50 s |
40 s |
50 mL/min |
char |
800 C |
50 s |
20 s |
50 mL/min |
atomize |
2500 C |
0 s |
8 s |
30 mL/min |
|
(with HGA 500, program -10 chart and 0 read in atomization step) |
|
Chart = 5 mv scale, 20 mm/min |
6.7.2 Parameters are adjusted so that the 1.0 ppm standard gives
a near full-scale deflection on the chart. The entire series of standards is run at the beginning and end of the analysis; a standard is also run after every fourth
or fifth sample during the analysis.
6.8 Calculations
6.8.1 The OSHA Auto Colorimetric program is used for the calculations.
6.8.2 Results are reported as mg/m³ Sn.
Addendum I
A recovery study of TBTF from FWSB-PVC filters by desorption in 1-propanol was done.
0.27057 TBTF was weighed into a 100 ml volumetric, diluted to volume with 1- propanol, and mixed. Assuming the TBTF is 38.41% Sn, this is 1039 ppm Sn as TBTF.
Six FWSB-PVC filters were spiked at each level = 1/2, 1, and 2× the PEL based on a 200 liter air volume and 0.1 mg/m³ PEL. The spikes were made as follows:
Std used (ppm Sn) |
Spike Vol. (µl) |
Sn (µg) |
PEL (multiple) |
|
1039 |
10 |
10 |
1/2 × |
1039 |
20 |
20 |
1 × |
1039 |
40 |
40 |
2 × |
The filters were then desorbed in 1-propanol, diluted to 50 mL, and run on the graphite furnace as described in section 6.7. The mean standard deviation and
coefficient of variation for the recovery at each level using the OSHA "Precision and Accuracy Data" program =
PEL (multiple) |
Mean Recovery |
Std. Dev. |
CV1 |
|
1/2 × |
1.016 |
0.025 |
0.024 |
1 × |
1.013 |
0.012 |
0.012 |
2 × |
0.960 |
0.020 |
0.021 |
The mean recoveries were then pooled =
Average mean recovery = 0.996 |
Standard Deviation = 0.019 |
Coefficient of variation = 0.019 |
Addendum II*
A recovery study of the loss of TBTF on FWSB-PVC filters due to volatility was done. A 40
µL spike of 1039 ppm Sn as TBTF was placed on six filters
and attached to six personal sampling pumps (calibrated at 2 liters per minute). 200 liters of air (100 minutes) were drawn through each. The filters
were then placed into 50 mL volumetric flasks, diluted to volume with 1-propanol, and run on the graphite furnace as described in section 6.7.
The recoveries are as follows:
Sample |
Found |
Theor. |
Found/Theor. |
|
2× - 1A |
41.32 |
41.56 |
0.994 |
2× - 2A |
42.47 |
41.56 |
1.022 |
2× - 3A |
41.60 |
41.56 |
1.001 |
2× - 4A |
43.66 |
41.56 |
1.051 |
2× - 5A |
44.59 |
41.56 |
1.073 |
2× - 6A |
42.47 |
41.56 |
1.022 |
|