PAH analysis in drinking water using automated disk SPE

The Horizon 5000 (previously known as SPE-DEX 5000) automated extraction system is a programmable, multipurpose SPE system, capable of processing aqueous samples directly from their original containers. Once the process is initiated, each Horizon 5000 module delivers all the necessary solvents to precondition the sorbent material within the SPE disk, passes the water sample through the disk and, after a preset air-dry time, extracts the sorbed analytes from the disk into a collection vessel using the required amounts of solvents.

This note demonstrates that automated SPE for preparation of PAHs in drinking water gives excellent results, meeting the requirements set forth in US EPA method 550.1. In addition, the time for preparation is efficient and samples are prepared and ready for HPLC analysis in less than 2 hours.