Horizon Carbon Cartridge User Guide

Importance of the Topic

The extraction of hydrophilic semi-volatile organics and short-chain perfluorinated compounds from aqueous samples is critical for environmental monitoring and regulatory compliance. Conventional reverse-phase sorbents often fail to retain highly water-soluble analytes. The carbon cartridge provides an effective solution by capturing compounds that bypass initial solid-phase extraction disks, improving sensitivity for trace-level organic contaminants.

Study Objectives and Overview

This guide outlines a workflow for integrating a carbon cartridge into an automated SPE-DEX 5000 system. The primary goals are to describe the sequence of disk and cartridge elutions, optimize sorbent performance for target analytes such as nitrosamines and methyl methanesulfonate, and demonstrate operational steps for consistent recoveries in EPA method 8270 and 625 applications.

Methodology

The sample stream first passes through an Atlantic One Pass SPE disk to remove neutral, acidic, and basic analytes in two sequential eluates. Unretained hydrophilic compounds are then captured on a carbon cartridge. Key procedural highlights:

• Configure the SPE-DEX 5000 with conditioning solvents (typically acetone and methylene chloride).
• Perform disk elution in two fractions: neutral/acidic compounds in a 250 mL flask, basic compounds in a 125 mL flask.
• Switch to the carbon cartridge following a software prompt and elute remaining semi-volatile organics into the first fraction to consolidate extracts.
• Dry the combined extract to 1 mL using a DryDisk or DryDisk-R membrane.

Instrumentation Used

• SPE-DEX 5000 automated extraction platform
• Atlantic One Pass SPE disk (PN 47-2346-11)
• Carbon Cartridge PN 49-2620 and Max-Detect PN 49-2620-01
• Water-in-Valve (WIV) assembly and collection flasks
• DryDisk / DryDisk-R evaporation membranes
• Standard laboratory glassware and Keck clamps

Main Results and Discussion

The protocol yields robust retention of hydrophilic semi-volatile organics, including nitrosamines and short-chain PFCs. Brief releases of carbon fines during initial sample passage are normal and clear within seconds. Proper reseating of the carbon bed with an air syringe ensures uniform flow and maximum analyte capture. Consolidation of eluate fractions reduces solvent use and handling time while maintaining high recovery rates.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The carbon cartridge workflow enables laboratories to:

• Extend the range of extractable compounds beyond conventional SPE disks.
• Achieve lower detection limits for highly soluble organics.
• Simplify sample processing by combining eluates and minimizing flask changes.
• Integrate seamlessly into automated SPE platforms for high throughput.

Future Trends and Applications

Emerging directions include development of tailored carbon sorbents for ultra-polar analytes, integration with online SPE-LC-MS workflows for real-time monitoring, and green solvent alternatives for conditioning and elution. Advances in cartridge design may further reduce fines release and enhance reproducibility at trace concentrations.

Conclusion

The described carbon cartridge procedure offers a reliable and automatable approach for capturing hydrophilic semi-volatile organics and short-chain PFCs in environmental samples. By combining disk and carbon sorbents, laboratories can expand analytical scope and achieve consistent, sensitive results in compliance with regulatory methods.