Practical Solid Phase Extraction Workflows for LC–MS / GC–MS Sample Preparation
Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) is widely used across food safety, pharmaceutical QC and environmental monitoring, where complex sample matrices demand efficient cleanup and high recovery.
This article presents practical application notes summarizing optimized SPE workflows, sorbent selection and extraction strategies for the most common analytes in Environmental Analysis.
Application note provides:
- Recommended SPE sorbent(s)
- Typical workflow steps
- Key method considerations
- Matrix cleanup challenges and solutions
Organic Pollutants in Water (PAHs, PCBs, Pesticides)
Recommended sorbents:
- C18 – universal hydrophobic retention
- Florisil – selective for polar pesticides
- NH₂ – removal of acids
Typical workflow:
- Pre-filter large particulates
- Load large volume onto C18 (500–1000 mg sorbent)
- Wash with water or diluted methanol
- Elute with dichloromethane or ACN
- GC–MS analysis
Emerging Contaminants (PFAS, pharmaceuticals in water)
Recommended sorbents:
- HLB polymer – broad retention
- Specialized PFAS cartridges (if available)
Typical workflow:
- Adjust pH to ensure correct ionization
- Load large sample volume
- Wash carefully (avoid fluoropolymer labware for PFAS)
- Elute with methanol or ammoniated methanol
Soil Contaminants (Herbicides, Phenols, PAHs)
Recommended sorbents:
- SAX – acidic herbicides
- C18 – hydrophobic compounds
Typical workflow:
- Solvent extraction
- SPE cleanup
- GC/LC analysis
Our complete SPE sorbent portfolio ensures you always find the right tool for your application.
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Olica Xu
