Solid Phase Extraction as Another Tool in the Laboratory

Oral Presentation

Prepared by B. Jones, Z. Grosser, M. Ebitson
Horizon Technology, Inc., 16 Northwestern Drive, Salem, NH, 03079, United States


Contact Information: wrj@horizontechinc.com; 603-386-3638


ABSTRACT

Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) has been around for more than 30 years and has developed into a useful tool in many markets such as environmental and food and is used for analyte extraction or matrix removal. It is accepted into many environmental methods, but is that enough to encourage laboratories to adopt the technology?

This paper will discuss the types of SPE available and the methods for which it can be used. The criteria for adopting new technology into a laboratory will also be discussed.
Oil and Grease Analysis using SPE is available as an automated system and is well-adopted by many laboratories. What advantages does it bring that make it more compelling for adoption?

US EPA method 625 is a general semivolatile method for wastewater analysis applied to a large suite of target analytes. Method 625 was developed a number of years ago, through the EPA Office of Water, Office of Science and Technology, and is one of the few methods where SPE is not listed as an alternative. Some recent data showing good performance for a variety of wastewater matrices will be shared.

Discussion of the state of art in SPE vs. the business needs of the laboratory will be summarized.