Disk-based solid-phase extraction analysis of organic substances in water

• Analysis of organic substances in water using solid-phase extraction (SPE) disks.
• The Water Framework Directive requires analysis of the whole water sample.
• Disk SPE allows whole water analysis without prior phase separation.
• We discuss different designs and characteristics of SPE disks.

Solid-phase extraction (SPE) disks are used in many application fields as modified versions of the widespread SPE cartridges. Due to current trends in legislation and normalization in the context of implementation of the Water Framework Directive, their use will probably increase in the future. A particular reason is the better capability of SPE disks to deal with suspended particulate matter (SPM) compared with SPE cartridges. This overview focuses on the application of standard SPE disks for the analysis of priority pollutants in water. We discuss in detail the design and the characteristics of SPE disks and various general aspects of their application, such as the extraction, drying and desorption process, and the subsequent analytical method combined with SPE-disk-based sample preparation.