SOLID-PHASE SAMPLE PREPARATION OF NATURAL-WATERS WITH REVERSED-PHASE DISKS

An investigation of sample preparation for natural waters using the Empore disk was conducted. The Empore disk is a new solid-phase sample preparation technology which was developed for rapid isolation of organic contaminants from aqueous matrix. In order to increase the volume of water that could be prepared, it was found that in-line or off-line filtration prior to the extraction step was required. The appropriate filters were identified. When more than 10 liters of natural water were analyzed a non-specific interference to capillary gas chromatography-electron-capture detection determination of analytes was present. The use of the Empore disks offered some advantages in ease and specificity of elution that was not available with solvent extraction and other solid-phase sample preparation technologies.