This European Standard specifies a method for the determination of six selected polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) listed in Table 1, representative for technical brominated diphenyl ethers (BDE) in water samples in mass concentrations ≥ 0,025 ng/l for each individual congener. The method uses solid-phase extraction with SPE-disks in combination with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). It is applicable to the analysis of PBDE in surface water containing suspended particulate matter (SPM) up to 500 mg/l (whole water samples), drinking water and groundwater. The limit of quantification (LOQ) was determined according to ISO/TS 13530, on the basis of replicate determinations of the procedural blank, carried out under reproducibility conditions.

This method may be used for the analysis of other BDE congeners not listed in Table 1 or other types of water. However, it is important to verify its applicability before use.