Comparison of analytical methods for trace quantities of 2, 4, 6-trinitrotoluene

A comparison has been made between a gas chromatographic analysis (GC) method and an automated colorimetric method for 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene in waste waters. The GC method is more useful in situations which require quantitative information about various isomers of di- and tri-nitrotoluenes. The automated method requires less work per analysis and gives a positive response for all trinitroaromatic compounds, including some degradation compounds. These factors make the automated method desirable for a routine surveillance program while the GC method is better for exact isomer analysis.