How Does the Biotage Horizon 5000 Perform?

Importance of the Topic

Solid phase extraction (SPE) is essential for trace-level environmental and drinking water analysis. The Biotage Horizon 5000 automates disk-based SPE aiming to deliver ultra-low background, high recovery, and consistent performance to meet regulatory standards at microgram per liter concentrations.

Study Objectives and Overview

This evaluation compares the Horizon 5000 to its predecessor, focusing on background contamination, analyte recovery, precision, and operational robustness over extended use. A full suite of ~100 semivolatile compounds in drinking water matrices was assessed.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Key aspects:

• Monitoring phthalate levels in blanks over three months to verify low system background
• Measuring recoveries of a low-level spike for ~100 analytes in replicate samples across one month
• Calculating relative standard deviations for precision assessment
• Comparing daily average recoveries between Horizon 5000 and SPE-DEX 4790 systems

Used Instrumentation

Primary instruments:

• Biotage Horizon 5000 automated SPE-DEX 5000 system
• SPE-DEX 4790 reference system
• Gas chromatograph with appropriate detectors for semivolatile analyte quantification

Main Results and Discussion

Blank phthalate levels remained below 0.1 µg/L (EPA 525.2 limit) throughout three months, confirming minimal background contamination. Analyte recoveries consistently fell within 70–130% over a month, and precision (RSD) was below 30% for low-level spikes. Comparative tests showed equivalent daily average recoveries between Horizon 5000 and the older 4790 model, demonstrating maintained or improved performance.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Ultra-low background enables reliable measurement of trace contaminants
• Robust performance over extended use reduces downtime
• High accuracy and precision across diverse compound classes
• Seamless upgrade path for laboratories using SPE-DEX 4790, with additional software and hardware enhancements

Future Trends and Opportunities

Further developments may include integration with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry workflows, expanded analyte libraries, greener solvent protocols, real-time monitoring and optimization using advanced software, and increased automation for high-throughput analysis.

Conclusion

The Biotage Horizon 5000 demonstrates reliable low-background operation, excellent recovery and precision for a broad suite of semivolatile analytes, and performance comparable to its predecessor with added functional enhancements. Its robust design supports consistent, high-quality SPE in environmental and drinking water testing laboratories.

References

• Extraction of a Full Suite of Semivolatile Compounds from Drinking Water using Automated Solid Phase Extraction, AN1141703_01, 2017