Analysis of VX nerve agent hydrolysis products in wastewater effluents by ion chromatography with amperometric and conductivity detection

An analytical method, based on the use of ion chromatography, was developed to monitor the levels of three regulated VX hydrolysis products in the effluent from a biological wastewater treatment process—ethylmethylphosphonic acid, methylphosphonic acid and 2-(diisopropyl)aminoethanethiol. Previous methods have not been applied to wastewater matrices or 2-(diisopropyl)aminoethanethiol. Despite the specificity and sensitivity constraints of this method, it was possible to measure the compounds in bioreactor effluents down to a level substantially below the US Army discharge limit of 0.1% (w/v). Analytical data was confirmed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) at an independent laboratory.