FLORISIL CLEANUP

2.1 This method describes procedures for Florisil cleanup of solvent extracts of environmental samples. It provides the option of using either traditional column chromatography techniques to solid-phase extraction cartridges. Generally, the traditional column chromatography technique uses larger amounts of adsorbent and, therefore, has a greater cleanup capacity. 2.2 In the column cleanup protocol, the column is packed with the required amount of adsorbent, topped with a water adsorbent, and then loaded with the sample extract. Elution of the analytes is effected with a suitable solvent(s), leaving the interfering compounds on the column. The eluate may be further concentrated prior to gas chromatographic analysis. 2.3 The cartridge cleanup protocol uses solid-phase extraction cartridges containing 40 µm particles of Florisil (60 D pores). Each cartridge is washed with solvent immediately prior to use. The sample extract is loaded onto the cartridge which is then eluted with suitable solvent(s). A vacuum manifold is required to obtain reproducible results. The eluate may be further concentrated prior to gas chromatographic analysis.