EPA Method 3546 enhancement using high-throughput microwave extraction

Conventional solvent extraction with EPA Method 3546 can restrict throughput, limit sample weight and consume substantial time, labour and solvent. Microwave-enhanced extraction addresses these constraints by applying elevated temperature and pressure to accelerate sample preparation while supporting the method’s compliance requirements.

The Milestone Ethos X and new Ethos X LEAN microwave-enhanced extraction systems give environmental laboratories a faster, cleaner and higher-throughput route for extracting organic contaminants from soils and operate at 100–115°C and 50–150psi. Each system can process up to 24 samples simultaneously, accommodate up to 30g per vessel and support improved limits of quantitation. Laboratories can therefore extract more than 200 samples during an eight-hour working day.

The streamlined workflow begins by weighing samples into disposable glass vials and adding solvent before loading the vessels into a 12- or 24-place FastEX extraction rotor. Contactless temperature control monitors every position. After 10–20 minutes of microwave heating, extracts are ready for filtration and subsequent GC or GC-MS analysis. Disposable vials also help reduce contamination, memory effects and cleaning delays.

“These systems give laboratories a practical way to increase productivity, reduce solvent use and handle larger sample batches without compromising compliance,” an Analytix spokesperson said. “They are suited to the extraction of PCBs, semi-volatile organic compounds and PAHs from environmental samples.”

For more information visit Analytix.