Environmental SPE Quick Reference Card

Significance of the Topic

Solid-phase extraction is a critical sample preparation technique for isolating and concentrating trace organic contaminants in environmental water matrices.
Proper cartridge selection ensures reliable, reproducible extraction of priority pollutants specified by regulatory frameworks such as the European Union Water Framework Directive and U.S. EPA methods.

Objectives and Study Overview

This quick reference card aims to guide analysts in choosing suitable SPE cartridges for target analytes listed under EU and EPA monitoring programs.
It compiles priority substances with recommended sorbent types and formats common workflows for routine environmental testing.

Methodology and Used Instrumentation

• Oasis HLB cartridges (reversed-phase hydrophilic-lipophilic balanced sorbent) for broad-spectrum organics including pesticides, PAHs, and pharmaceuticals.
• Oasis WAX (weak anion exchange) for perfluorinated compounds (PFOS, PFOA) and acidic analytes.
• Oasis MAX (strong anion exchange) for anionic polar contaminants such as glyphosate and haloacetic acids.
• Sep-Pak C18 for non-polar semivolatile organics and tributyltin compounds.
• Sep-Pak AC-2 (graphitized carbon) for polar volatile organics like 1,4-dioxane.
• Pora-Pak RDX for selective enrichment of nitroaromatics and explosives residues.
• Florisil SPE for cleanup of chlorinated, organophosphorus, and PAH analytes in EPA reference methods.

Main Findings and Discussion

The reference card correlates specific analytes with optimal SPE sorbents and cartridge dimensions to achieve consistent recoveries and low detection limits.
EU priority substances such as atrazine, nonylphenols, and benzo[a]pyrene are efficiently extracted using 200 mg/6 mL HLB cartridges, whereas more hydrophobic or acidic compounds like hexachlorobenzene and pentachlorobenzene require 60 mg/3 mL reversed-phase or anion exchange formats.
EPA methods emphasize a wider sorbent portfolio, from C18 and carbon-based media for semivolatiles to specialized ion-exchange phases for polar agrochemicals and emerging contaminants.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Streamlines method development by matching analyte classes with proven SPE media.
• Enhances laboratory efficiency through standardized cartridge formats across regulatory protocols.
• Improves data quality by reducing matrix effects and ensuring reproducible recoveries.
• Facilitates compliance with stringent detection requirements for water quality monitoring.

Future Trends and Applications

Continued innovation in sorbent chemistries is expected to address emerging pollutants such as endocrine disruptors and novel synthetic compounds.
Integration of online and automated SPE systems will further reduce manual handling and improve throughput.
Advances in mixed-mode and molecularly imprinted sorbents may offer enhanced selectivity for complex environmental matrices.

Conclusion

This quick reference card consolidates SPE recommendations for EU and EPA target analytes, offering a practical tool for environmental laboratories seeking reliable extraction solutions.
By selecting appropriate sorbents and cartridge formats, analysts can achieve robust, compliant methods that meet evolving regulatory demands.

References

• Waters Corporation (2013) Environmental SPE Quick Reference Card. 720004836EN.