Pesticides by solid-phase microextraction. Results of a round robin test

The applicability of solid-phase microextraction (SPME) for the analysis of semi-volatile compounds in water was verified by an interlaboratory study on pesticide analysis by SPME. Eleven laboratories in Europe and North America took part in the test. No previous experience with SPME was required. The test sample contained 12 pesticides representing all main groups (organochlorine, organonitrogen and organophosphate) at low ppb levels. The results of the test proved that SPME is an accurate and fast method of sample preparation and analysis. It can be an excellent alternative to currently used methods.