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1.1 This procedure covers the determination of Bisphenol A (BPA) in soil, sludge, and biosolids. This test method is based upon solvent extraction of a soil matrix by pressurized fluid extraction (PFE). The extract is filtered and analyzed by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). BPA is qualitatively and quantitatively determined by this test method.

1.2 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.3 The Method Detection Limit² (MDL), electrospray ionization (ESI) mode, and Reporting Range³ for BPA are listed in Table 1.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

5.1 This is a performance based method, and modifications are allowed to improve performance.

5.2 The first reported synthesis of BPA was by the reaction of phenol with acetone by Zincke.⁷ BPA has become an important high volume industrial chemical used in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins. Polycarbonate plastic and resins are used in numerous products including electrical and electronic equipment, automobiles, sports and safety equipment, reusable food and drink containers, electrical laminates for printed circuit boards, composites, paints, adhesives, dental sealants, protective coatings and many other products.⁸

5.3 The environmental source of BPA is predominantly from the decomposition of polycarbonate plastics and resins. BPA is not classified as bio-accumulative by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and will biodegrade. BPA has been reported to have adverse effects in aquatic organisms and may be released into environmental waters directly at trace levels through landfill leachate and sewage treatment plant effluents. This method has been investigated for use with soil, sludge, and biosolids.

5.4 The land application of biosolids has raised concerns over the fate of BPA in the environment and a standard method is needed to monitor concentrations. This method has been investigated for use with various soils.