Improving Automated SPE Disk Extraction Technology for Semivolatile Compounds in Groundwater Using US EPA Method 8270E

Semivolatile organic compounds (SVOC) have a variety of chemical properties that have been found to cause harmful effects to both humans and the environment. Accurate measurements are challenging to obtain because SVOCs readily adsorb onto surfaces, and are found in common household items such as cleaning agents, personal care products, electrical components, pesticides, water and food. . 

Effects to health depend on the chemical nature of the compound in conjunction with the degree of exposure, yet have been known to include allergenic symptoms, reproductive and endocrine issues. Laboratories around the world measure these compounds in water, soil, and leachates from waste sites. US EPA Method 8270E can be used to determine the concentration of SVOCs extracted from liquid, solid and leachate samples in effort to limit exposure and the spread of these persistent organic pollutants. 1

While almost all laboratories test for fewer than the full list of 243 compounds included in the method, typical laboratories will often measure a large suite of 80 to 100 compounds. Compound classes that can be extracted using this method include: polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons and pesticides, phthalate esters, organophosphate esters, nitrosamines, haloethers, aldehydes, ethers, ketones, anilines, pyridines, quinolines, aromatic nitro compounds, and phenols.

Download the full application note to learn more.