Atlantic® ReadyDisk - Ready to go SPE Disks for Water Extraction

Significance of the Topic

Solid phase extraction (SPE) is a cornerstone technique in environmental and drinking water analysis. Reliable, high-throughput sample preparation is essential for monitoring trace levels of organic and semivolatile contaminants. Disposable, ready-to-use SPE disks streamline workflows, minimize cross-contamination, and meet stringent regulatory requirements.

Objectives and Study Overview

This document presents Atlantic ReadyDisk products designed for rapid, single-use extraction of organic analytes from aqueous matrices. The goal is to describe disk construction, media options, performance characteristics, and application scope in compliance with EPA Methods for drinking and wastewater analysis.

Methodology and Used Instrumentation

Each ReadyDisk is pre-assembled in a disposable holder, featuring high surface area media and robust materials free of extractable contaminants. The configuration supports both manual manifolds (e.g., Biotage VacMaster Disk™) and fully automated systems (e.g., Biotage Horizon® 5000). Key instrumentation compatibility:

• Biotage Horizon 5000 automated SPE system
• Biotage VacMaster Disk manifold
• Optional luer and plug kit for Horizon 4790

Main Results and Discussion

ReadyDisks demonstrate:

• High sorbent capacity with minimal breakthrough at elevated flow rates
• Excellent precision and accuracy in recovering pesticides, bisphenol A, PBDEs, PAHs, carbonyls, dioxins, furans, PFOAs, and phenols
• Media options validated for EPA 500, 600, and 8000 Series methods

Three primary media types address a broad analyte polarity range:

• C18 (silica-based, end-capped) for nonpolar to slightly polar compounds (EPA Method 525.2)
• HC-C18 (high-capacity, end-capped) for enhanced retention of weakly hydrophobic analytes
• DVB (divinylbenzene polymer) for pH-independent extraction of semivolatiles (EPA Method 525.3)

Benefits and Practical Applications

Atlantic ReadyDisks offer:

• Rapid setup and elimination of holder cleaning
• Consistent performance across large-volume (liter scale) water samples
• Compliance with regulatory methods for drinking and environmental water monitoring
• Flexibility for manual and automated workflows

Future Trends and Applications

Emerging directions include integration of SPE disks into fully robotic platforms, development of novel sorbent chemistries for ultra-trace analyte classes, and miniaturized disk formats for high-throughput screening. Coupling with advanced detection techniques (e.g., LC-MS/MS, GC-MS) will further enhance sensitivity and broaden application scope.

Conclusion

Atlantic ReadyDisk SPE products deliver reliable, high-capacity extraction of a wide range of organic contaminants from water. Their disposable, holder-integrated design simplifies sample preparation, ensures reproducible recoveries, and supports both manual and automated laboratory environments.

References

• Biotage. Atlantic ReadyDisk Product Literature No. PPS512, 2019.