Trace analysis of polar organic pollutants in aqueous samples - Tools for the rapid prediction and optimisation of the solid-phase extraction parameters

A method development is given for predicting the main solid-phase extraction parameters with emphasis to polar analytes which are poorly extracted using popular C-18 silicas. Recoveries and breakthrough curves have been modelled according to the sample volume. From the knowledge of the sample volume to be handled for the required detection level in the sample, the prediction of the necessary retention factor in water, log k(w), can be done in order to have recoveries at least above 85%. The selection of the sorbents and amounts of sorbents allowing the predicted log k(w) values is discussed according to the knowledge of interactions between analyte, matrix and common reversed-phases sorbents (standard C-18 silicas, specifically designed C-18 silica for polar analytes, apolar copolymers, carbon-based sorbents). (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.