A Unified Sample Preparation System for Extraction of Various Analyte/Matrix Combinations

A supercritical fluid extraction/enhanced solvent extraction system (SFE/ESE) was used to remove polar and non-polar analytes from various matrices. Extraction of environmental pollutants from soil, additives from low density polyethylene, sulfa drugs from animal tissue, and drug from tablet was performed using both SFE and ESE. Results showed that a single instrumental system can be used to perform both ESE with organic solvents and SFE with carbon dioxide-based fluids. Each method has its own unique advantages and applications. The ability to carry out both solvent extraction and supercritical fluid extraction with one system has obvious economical advantages.