Extraction of organic pollutants in environmental samples – twelve application reports 

The EPA test methods for evaluating solid waste (SW-846) provide a comprehensive source of information on sampling, sample preparation, analysis, and reporting. EPA 3546 was formally included in SW-846 and is a microwave-assisted solvent extraction (MASE) procedure for extracting water-insoluble or slightly water-soluble organic compounds such as organochlorine pesticides, semi-volatile organics, PAHs, PCBs, phenoxyacid herbicides, phenols, dioxins, and furans from soils, clays, sediments, sludges, and solid waste.

The above compounds were traditionally extracted using lengthy methods requiring large solvents. MASE is a rapid sample preparation technique that enables efficient extractions but uses reduced amounts of solvents with the ability to work at higher temperatures and pressures. For example, the Milestone Ethos X microwave extraction system, available in the UK from Analytix, can extract the target compounds from environmental samples in full compliance with EPA 3546 (100-115 °C and 50-150 psi) and is capable of quickly processing up to 24 samples and 30 g of sample per vessel simultaneously thereby improving the limit of quantitation (LOQ) for analysis. This results in the capacity to extract over 200 samples in an 8-hour workday. The potential problems of contamination, memory effects, and cleaning are eliminated due to the use of disposable glass vials.

Twelve application reports highlighting the advantages of MASE for environmental samples are available from Analytix. They demonstrate that the recoveries of certified environmental standard materials are in compliance with the certificate values. In addition, they demonstrate that a wide range of different compounds can be completely extracted, even in large sample amounts.

The use of disposable glass vials, coupled with the speed of extraction and reduced solvent consumption, makes the Ethos X a unique and innovative solution for removing contaminants from environmental samples. It provides unmatched ease of use and low running costs. 

For a copy of the application reports or for further information visit www.analytix.co.uk/contact/ or call +44 (0) 191 519 4504