Automated solid phase dynamic extraction--extraction of organics using a wall coated syringe needle

Extractions of liquid samples were carried out using wall coated needles prepared from stainless steel capillary columns instead of syringe needles. This micro extraction technique was applied to the analysis of pesticides in water. Important parameters influencing the extraction such as sample velocity, extraction time and also the desorption parameters were investigated and optimized. Automation of this technique was realized using a conventional automatic sampler. Limits of detection were improved using the multiple extraction/desorption technique. Chromatographic data and limits of detection were compared with those obtained by solid phase micro extraction (SPME). Using a needle with a 7 microns film yielded limits of detection varying from 0.001-0.1 microgram/L and were in the same range as those resulting from the extraction using a 100 microns polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) SPME fiber. The main advantages of the needle extraction technique were the significantly higher extraction speed and the practical aspects of a stable steel needle compared to those of a fragile fiber. The extraction speed using a needle with a 7 microns film was up to five times higher than the speed of SPME using a 100 microns PDMS fiber. The steel needle could be stressed mechanically in a higher extent than a SPME fiber. Sample volumes and aliquots of liquid media could be handled and moved from one bottle to another using the automatic sampler.