Solid phase micro-extraction (SPME) fibre performance in turbid aqueous samples

The performance of solid phase microextraction (SPME) fibres was assessed in river water samples containing suspended solids. The effects of repeated immersion and the influence of variable solids loadings were considered for a soluble (phenol) and moderately hydrophobic organic contaminant (1,2-dimethylnaphthalene). For 1,2-dimethylnaphthalene the extractive efficiency of fibres declined progressively with repeated immersion in solutions with high solids levels (1g l−1) and with increased suspended solids concentrations. However, for phenol there was no decrease in extractive efficiency with increased solids concentrations. Results suggest that SPME efficiency is not likely to be significantly reduced in typical natural waters, or effluent samples with solids concentrations concentrations <1 g l−1.