A Comparison of the Use of Microwave Extraction for Organics – SW-846, Method 3546
Oral Presentation
Prepared by C. Neslund
Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories Environmental, LLC, 2425 New Holland Pike, Lancaster, PA, 17601, United States
Contact Information: [email protected]; 717-556-7231
ABSTRACT
Historically, when solid samples are extracted for the analysis of semivolatiles and pesticides/PCBs, the techniques of choice have been Soxhlet Extraction (SW-846, 3540) or Ultrasonic Extraction (SW-846, 3550). These techniques have proven their value over many years of use but have also demonstrated limitations with regard to:
a. Efficiency with which the extraction can be performed (turn around time)
b. The significant amount of solvent used
c. Effectiveness over a wide range of chemistries for the compounds being analyzed
Several variations of a pressurized fluid extraction (SW-846, 3545) have been successfully introduced in recent years but have struggled to replace soxhlet and sonication.
In our lab, we have begun to use Microwave Extraction (SW-846, 3546) with great success. In our experience, the technique has allowed for greater productivity and efficiency. It uses less solvent than the conventional techniques and does a very effective job of extracting a wide range of chemistries. We will provide data to demonstrate the technique’s effectiveness in comparison to more conventional techniques and compliance with program recovery criteria, such as DoD QSM.
Oral Presentation
Prepared by C. Neslund
Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories Environmental, LLC, 2425 New Holland Pike, Lancaster, PA, 17601, United States
Contact Information: [email protected]; 717-556-7231
ABSTRACT
Historically, when solid samples are extracted for the analysis of semivolatiles and pesticides/PCBs, the techniques of choice have been Soxhlet Extraction (SW-846, 3540) or Ultrasonic Extraction (SW-846, 3550). These techniques have proven their value over many years of use but have also demonstrated limitations with regard to:
a. Efficiency with which the extraction can be performed (turn around time)
b. The significant amount of solvent used
c. Effectiveness over a wide range of chemistries for the compounds being analyzed
Several variations of a pressurized fluid extraction (SW-846, 3545) have been successfully introduced in recent years but have struggled to replace soxhlet and sonication.
In our lab, we have begun to use Microwave Extraction (SW-846, 3546) with great success. In our experience, the technique has allowed for greater productivity and efficiency. It uses less solvent than the conventional techniques and does a very effective job of extracting a wide range of chemistries. We will provide data to demonstrate the technique’s effectiveness in comparison to more conventional techniques and compliance with program recovery criteria, such as DoD QSM.
