Supercritical Fluid Extraction of Organic Compounds from Various Solid Matrices

摘要

The analysis of soil and sediment samples are routinely performed using eitherSoxhlet extraction or sonication. Both procedures use large quantities of organic solvents such as methylene chloride, hexane and acetone. These solvents are expensive to purchase and dispose of properly. In addition, these procedures are time-consuming and tedious. Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) is rapid and uses very little solvent. The supercritical fluid used in these experiments is non-toxic and does not create problems with hazardous waste generation and disposal. This work was part of a general effort by the US EPA Central Regional Laboratory in Region III to minimize the solvent necessary for extraction of semi-volatile compounds. The goal of the study was to determine optimal extraction conditions (pressure, flow, temperature, time and use of modifiers) for the extraction of semi-volatile compounds.