Off-line and on-line extraction of explosives and related compounds from aqueous samples using solid sorbents

Explosives belonging to the group of nitrotoluenes may be readily extracted with C18 adsorbent in the off-line mode and also in on-line coupling of the extraction unit to HPLC, while polar explosives like hexyl, HMX, and RDX show a substantial breakthrough and low recoveries. However, these compounds are quantitatively extracted using a new polymeric phase, LiChrolut EN, in the off-line mode. Preliminary results show that this new adsorbent may in principle also be used in the on-line mode for explosives. In this case, the cartridges have to be eluted in the backflush mode. Method detection limits of less than or equal to0.1 mug/L are achieved for on-line extraction of explosives and related compounds with water samples as small as 10...30 mL.