EAS: Recent advances in sample preparation for POPs

Importance of the Topic

Environmental monitoring of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) demands efficient sample preparation to separate trace analytes from complex soil and semi-solid matrices. Robust extraction and cleanup workflows protect chromatography and mass spectrometry systems, improve data quality, and ensure regulatory compliance.

Objectives and Overview of the Study

This presentation introduces the Thermo Scientific™ EXTREVA™ ASE™ Accelerated Solvent Extractor and evaluates its performance for the analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in soil. The goal is to demonstrate enhanced throughput, reproducibility, and reduced solvent use in fully automated sample-to-vial workflows.

Methodology and Instrumentation Used

The EXTREVA ASE system integrates pressurized solvent extraction, in-cell cleanup, gas-assisted solvent delivery, and automated nitrogen-driven evaporation with AI-enabled end-point detection. Key features include:

• Parallel extraction of up to 16 samples per batch
• Compatibility with six organic solvents and adjustable temperature control
• 2D barcode sample tracking for full documentation
• Chromeleon™ CDS software interface for method development
• Machine learning-based optical monitoring to terminate evaporation accurately

Main Results and Discussion

Comparison with the legacy ASE 350 system demonstrated:

• A 33% increase in daily throughput (48 vs. 36 samples)
• PAH and OCP recoveries of 82–106% with relative standard deviations below 10%
• Minimal carryover and thermal degradation (< 3% for sensitive analytes)
• Reduced manual handling and solvent consumption

Validation on certified soil materials showed reproducible performance (%RSD < 7%) and compliance with EPA acceptance criteria.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The EXTREVA ASE system delivers:

• True walk-away automation, freeing analyst time
• Cleaner extracts that minimize matrix interferences
• Cost savings through lowered solvent usage and labor requirements
• Enhanced traceability via automated sample tracking

Demonstrated applications include GC-ECD and GC-MS analysis of OCPs and PAHs, as well as LC workflows for extractables in food-contact materials.

Future Trends and Applications

Emerging opportunities include expanding automated extraction to additional pollutant classes, integrating on-line purification and detection, and leveraging AI for predictive maintenance. Advances in green solvents and miniaturized extraction formats promise further environmental and cost benefits.

Conclusion

By combining accelerated solvent extraction, automated cleanup, and intelligent evaporation, the EXTREVA ASE system enhances laboratory efficiency, data quality, and compliance in POP analysis. This integrated approach addresses key challenges in modern environmental and industrial analytics.

Reference

Early M. Recent advances in sample preparation for POPs. Eastern Analytical Symposium; 2022.