RONNEL

1. General Discussion

1.1 Background

1.1.1 History

This evaluation was undertaken to develop a sampling procedure for ronnel, an organophosphorus pesticide. National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommended using a mixed cellulose ester membrane filter (37-mm) with a glass tube containing chromosorb 102 resin (66/33 mg section, 20/40 mesh) for sampling ronnel (Ref. 5.1.). The OVS-chromosorb 102 tube is not available commercially. The sampling procedure specified in this method uses an OVS-2 tube which is commercially available. It is also used in sampling many other organophosphorus pesticides (Ref. 5.2.).

1.1.2 Toxic effects (This section is for information only and should not be taken as the basis of OSHA policy.) (Ref. 5.3 )

Ronnel is an indirect cholinesterase inhibitor. The acute oral LD₅₀ has been found to be about 1250 mg/kg for the male rat and 2630 mg/kg for the female rat. Other species tested have shown comparable reactions, with the dog having an oral LD₅₀ greater than 500 mg/kg.

1.1.3 Workplace exposure

Ronnel is used as an insecticide. No data is available on the extent of work place exposure.

1.1.4 Physical properties and other descriptive information (Ref. 5.3.)

Synonyms:	O,O-Dimethyl O-(2,4,5-trichlorophenyl) phosphorothioate; Fenchlorophos; Trolene; Trichlorometaphos; Viozene
CAS number:	299-84-3
IMIS:	2226
RTECS:	TG0525000; 59514
DOT:	UN2922 Corrosive
Vapor pressure:	0.0008 mmHg @ 25°C
Molecular weight:	321.57
Boiling point:	97°C @ 0.01 mmHg
Melting point:	41°C
Appearance:	white to tan, waxy solid
Density:	1.4850
Molecular formula:	(CH3O)2PSOC6H2Cl3
Structural formula:

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The analyte air concentrations throughout this method are based on the recommended sampling and analytical parameters.

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1.2 Limit defining parameters

1.2.1 Detection limit of the overall procedure (DLOP)

The detection limit of the overall procedure is 0.56 µg per sample (9 µg/m³). This is the amount of analyte spiked on the sampler that will give a response that is significantly different from the background response of a sampler blank.

The DLOP is defined as the concentration of analyte that gives a response (Y_DLOP) that is significantly different (three standard deviations (SD_BR)) from the background response (Y_BR).

Y_DLOP - Y_BR = 3(SD_BR)

The direct measurement of Y_BR and SD_BR in chromatographic methods is typically inconvenient, and difficult because YBR is usually extremely low. Estimates of these parameters can be made with data obtained from the analysis of a series of samples whose responses are in the vicinity of the background response. The regression curve obtained for a plot of instrument response versus concentration of analyte will usually be linear. Assuming SD_BR and the precision of data about the curve are similar, the standard error of estimate (SEE) for the regression curve can be substituted for SD_BR in the above equation. The following calculations derive a formula for the DLOP:

Yobs	=	observed response
Yest	=	estimated response from regression curve
n	=	total no. of data points
k	=	2 for a linear regression curve

At point Y_DLOP on the regression curve

Y_DLOP - A(DLOP) + Y_BR

A = analytical sensitivity (slope)

therefore

DLOP =

(YDLOP - YBR) A

Substituting 3(SEE) + Y_BR for Y_DLOP gives

DLOP =

3(SEE) A

The DLOP is measured as mass per sample and expressed as equivalent air concentrations, based on the recommended sampling parameters. Ten samplers were spiked with equal descending increments of analyte, such that the highest sampler loading was 4.46 µg/sample. This is the amount, when spiked on a sampler, that would produce a peak approximately 10 times the background response of a sample blank. These spiked samplers, and the sample blank were analyzed with the recommended analytical parameters, and the data obtained used to calculate the required parameters (A and SEE) for the calculation of the DLOP. Values of 673 and 126 were obtained for A and SEE respectively. DLOP was calculated to be 0.56 µg/sample (9 µg/m³).

Table 1.2.1
Detection Limit of the Overall Procedure

mass per sample (µg)	area counts (µV-s)
0 0.446 0.892 1.338 1.784 2.230 2.676 3.122 3.568 4.014 4.460	0 328 632 934 1230 1478 1615 1837 2560 2798 3034

Figure 1.2.1. Plot of data to determine DLOP and RQL.

1.2.2 Reliable quantitation limit (RQL)

The reliable quantitation limit is 1.87 µg per sample (31 µg/m³). This is the amount of analyte spiked on a sampler that will give a signal that is considered the lower limit for precise quantitative measurements.

The RQL is considered the lower limit for precise quantitative measurements. It is determined from the regression line data obtained for the calculation of the DLOP (Section 1.2.1), providing at least 75% of the analyte is covered. The RQL is defined as the concentration of analyte that gives a response (YRQL) such that

Y_RQL - Y_BR = 10(SD_BR)

therefore

RQL =

10(SEE) A

Figure 1.2.2. Reliable quantitation limit chromatogram.

2. Sampling Procedure

2.1 Apparatus

2.1.1 Samples are collected using a personal sampling pump calibrated, with the sampling device attached, to within ±5% of the recommended flow rate.

2.1.2 Samples are collected on OVS-2 tubes, which are specially made 11-mm i.d. × 13-mm o.d. × 5.0 cm long glass tubes. Each tube is packed with a 140-mg backup section and a 270-mg front adsorbing section of XAD-2 and a 13-mm diameter glass fiber filter. The backup section is retained by two foam plugs and the front section is between one foam plug and the glass fiber filter. The glass fiber filter is held next to the sampling section by a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) retainer. These tubes are commercially available from SKC and Forest Biomedical.

2.2 Technique

2.2.1 Immediately before sampling, remove the caps. All tubes should be from the same lot.

2.2.2 Attach small end of the sampling tube to the pump with flexible tubing. Position the tube so that sampled air passes through the larger section of the tube first.

2.2.3 Air being sampled should not pass through any hose or tubing before entering the sampling tube.

2.2.4 Attach the sampler vertically with the open end pointing downward, in the worker's breathing zone, and positioned so it does not impede work performance or safety.

2.2.5 After sampling for the appropriate time, remove the sample and seal the tube with plastic end caps. Wrap each sample end-to-end with a Form OSHA-21 seal.

2.2.6 Submit at least one blank sample with each set of samples. Handle the blank sampler in the same manner as the other samples except draw no air through it.

2.2.7 Record sample volumes (in liters of air) for each sample, along with any potential interferences.

2.2.8 Ship any bulk samples in separate containers from the air samples.

2.2.9 Submit the samples to the laboratory for analysis as soon as possible after sampling. If delay is unavoidable, store the samples in a refrigerator.

2.3 Desorption efficiency

A 13-mm glass fiber filter and an amount of XAD-2 adsorbent equal to the adsorbing section (270 mg) of an OVS-2 tube were placed in each of 24 4-mL vials. They were divided into four groups of six. These were liquid-spiked on the glass fiber filter with 10 µL of 8.92 mg/mL and 5, 10, and 20 µL of 89.2 mg/mL solution of ronnel in toluene. These amounts represented 0.1×, 0.5×, 1.0× and 2.0× the target concentration respectively. They were sealed with PTFE-lined septa and allowed to equilibrate overnight at room temperature. The vials, along with a blank, were desorbed and analyzed as in Section 3. The average desorption efficiency over the studied range was 95.6 %.

Table 2.3
Desorption Efficiency of Ronnel

	% Recovered
Tubes#	0.1× 89.2 µg	0.5× 446.0 µg	1.0× 892.0 µg	2.0× 1784.0 µg
1 2 3 4 5 6	95.9 93.4 92.3 93.0 96.6 99.2	93.6 95.1 96.7 94.6 96.4 94.6	91.8 96.4 94.8 95.3 94.8 95.5	96.6 97.9 95.9 95.8 97.6 99.1
mean	95.1	95.2	94.8	97.2
overall average	95.6
standard deviation	±.1.1

2.4 Retention efficiency

The sampling tubes were spiked with 1784 µg (30 mg/m³) of ronnel, allowed to equilibrate overnight at room temperature, and then had 60 L of humid air ( 80 % RH at 25°C) drawn through them at 1.0 Lpm. They were desorbed and analyzed by GC-FPD. The retention efficiency averaged 93.7%. There was no ronnel found on the backup sections of the tubes.

Table 2.4
Retention Efficiency of Ronnel

Tube #	front section recovery (%)	back section recovery (%)	total recovery (%)
1 2 3 4 5 6	94.1 91.4 94.7 92.4 94.7 94.9	0. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0.	94.1 91.4 94.7 92.4 94.7 94.9
		mean	93.7

2.5 Sample storage

The adsorbing sections of twelve sampling tubes were each spiked with 892 µg (15 mg/m³) of ronnel. They were sealed and stored at room temperature. The next day 60 L of humid air (80 % RH at 25°C) was drawn through each tube at 1.0 L/min. Half of the tubes were stored in a drawer at ambient temperature and the other half were stored in a refrigerator at 0°C. After 7 days of storage three samples from the tubes stored under refrigerator and three samples from ambient storage were analyzed. The remaining samples were analyzed after 14 days of storage. The amounts recovered, which are not corrected for desorption efficiency, indicate good storage stability for the time period studied.

Table 2.5
Storage Test for Ronnel

Ambient storage		|	Refrigerator Storage
time (days)	recovery (%)	| |	time (days)	recovery (%)
7 7 7 14 14 14 mean	91.3 89.8 92.6 90.6 90.9 91.2 91.1	| | | | | | |	7 7 7 14 14 14 mean	94.5 92.3 93.8 91.8 93.9 88.9 92.5

2.6 Recommended air volume and sampling rate.

2.6.1 The recommended air volume is 60 L.

2.6.2 The recommended sampling rate is 1.0 L/min.

2.7 Interferences (sampling)

2.7.1 It is not known if any compounds will severely interfere with the collection of ronnel. In general, the presence of other contaminant vapors in the air will reduce the capacity of the sampling tube to collect ronnel.

2.7.2 Any suspected interferences should be reported to the laboratory with submitted samples.

2.8 Safety precautions (sampling)

2.8.1 Attach the sampling equipment to the worker in such a manner that it will not interfere with work performance or safety.

2.8.2 Follow all safety practices that apply to the work area being sampled.

2.8.3 Wear eye protection.

3. Analytical Procedure

3.1 Apparatus

3.1.1 A gas chromatograph equipped with an FPD . A Hewlett Packard (HP) model 5890 was used in this evaluation.

3.1.2 A GC column capable of separating the analyte from any interferences. The column used in this study was a 30-m × 0.53-mm i.d. DB-210 GC column, 0.5 µ film thickness.

3.1.3 An electronic integrator or some other suitable method of measuring peak areas. A Waters 860 data system was used in this evaluation.

3.1.4 Four milliliter vials with PTFE-lined caps.

3.1.5 A syringe (10 µL or other convenient size) for sample injection.

3.1.6 Pipets for dispensing the desorbing solution. A dispenser may be used.

3.1.7 Volumetric flasks ( 10 mL and other convenient sizes) for preparing standards.

3.2 Reagents

3.2.1 GC grade nitrogen, hydrogen, and air.

3.2.2 Ronnel. A 98% pure standard from Chem Service was used in this evaluation.

3.2.3 Toluene. The toluene used in this evaluation was purchased from Burdick and Jackson.

3.2.4 Tributyl phosphate. A 99% pure standard from Aldrich was used in this evaluation.

3.2.5 The extracting/desorbing solution is prepared by adding 8 µL of tributyl phosphate internal standard (ISTD) to 100 mL of toluene.

3.3 Standard preparation

3.3.1 Stock standard solutions are prepared by dissolving weighed amounts of ronnel in toluene.

3.3.2 Working range standard solutions are prepared by injecting appropriate microliter volumes of stock solutions into sealed 4-mL vials containing extracting/desorbing solution.

3.4 Sample preparation

3.4.1 Sample tubes are opened and the front tube (GFF and 270 mg adsorbent) and the back section of each tube are placed in separate 4-mL vials.

3.4.2 Each section is desorbed with 2-mL of the desorbing solution.

3.4.3 The vials are sealed immediately and allowed to desorb for 40 minutes on a mechanical shaker.

3.5 Analysis

3.5.1 Gas chromatograph conditions.

Injection size:	1 µL
Flow rates (mL/min)
Air:	125
Hydrogen(carrier):	0.9
Hydrogen(detector):	78
Nitrogen (make up):	25
Temperatures (°C)
Injector:	190
Detector:	250
Column:	190
Retention times (min)
ISTD:	3.3
Ronnel:	5.0

Figure 3.5.1. Chromatogram at the PEL.

3.5.2 Peak areas are measured by an integrator or other suitable means.

3.6 Interferences (analytical)

3.6.1 Any compound that responds to FPD and has a similar retention time as the analyte is a potential interference. If any potential interferences were reported, they should be considered before samples are desorbed. Generally, chromatographic conditions can be altered to separate an interference from the analyte.

3.6.2 When necessary, the identity of an analyte may be confirmed by GC-Mass spectrometry or by other analytical procedure.

3.7 Calculations

3.7.1 Construct a calibration curve by plotting detector response versus concentration (µg/mL) of ronnel.

3.7.2 Determine from the calibration curve the concentration (µg/mL) of ronnel on each section of the samples and blank.

3.7.3 Blank correct each sample by subtracting the concentration (µg/mL) found in each section of the blank from the concentration (µg/mL) found in the corresponding sections of the samples and then add the results together for the total concentration (µg/mL) for each sample.

3.7.4 Determine the air concentration using the following formula.

mg/m3 =

(µg/mL, blank corrected) × (desorption volume, mL) (air volume, L) × (desorption efficiency, decimal)

3.7.5 This calculation is done for each section of the sampling tube and the results added together.

3.8 Safety precautions

3.8.1 Avoid skin contact and inhalation of all chemicals.

3.8.2 Wear safety glasses, gloves and a lab coat at all times while in the laboratory areas.

4. Recommendations for Further Study

Collection studies need to be performed from a dynamically generated test atmosphere.

5. References

5.1 NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods, 3rd edition, Vol. 2, Method No. S299, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health: Cincinnati, OH, 1984; DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 84-100

5.2 Burright, D.; Method #62, "Chlorpyrifos (Dursban), DDVP (Dichlorvos), Diazinon, Malathion, Parathion"; in OSHA Analytical Methods Manual, second edition, OSHA Analytical laboratory, 1990, Vol. 3, p 62-1

5.3 Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices, 5th ed., American Conference Governmental Industrial Hygienist (ACGIH); Cincinnati, OH, 1986; p 513