Solid-phase extraction using hierarchical organosilicates for enhanced detection of nitroenergetic targets

J Environ Monit. 2011 May;13(5):1404-9. doi: 10.1039/c1em10034c. Epub 2011 Mar 15.

Abstract

A novel porous organosilicate material was evaluated for application as a solid phase extraction sorbent for preconcentration of nitroenergetic targets from aqueous solution prior to HPLC analysis. The performance of the sorbent in spiked deionized water, groundwater, and surface water was evaluated. Targets considered included 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene, 2,4-dinitrotoluene, RDX, HMX, and nitroglycerin. The sorbent was shown to provide improved performance over Sep-Pak RDX. The impact of complex matrices on target preconcentration by the sorbent was also found to be less dramatic than that observed for LiChrolut EN. The impact of changes in pH on target preconcentration was considered. Aqueous soil extracts generated from samples collected at sites of ordnance testing were also used to evaluate the materials. The results presented here demonstrate the potential of this novel sorbent for application as a solid phase extraction material for the preconcentration of nitroenergetic targets from aqueous solutions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Azocines / analysis
  • Azocines / chemistry
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Dinitrobenzenes / analysis
  • Dinitrobenzenes / chemistry
  • Explosive Agents / analysis*
  • Explosive Agents / chemistry
  • Fresh Water / chemistry
  • Nitrogen Compounds / analysis*
  • Nitrogen Compounds / chemistry
  • Nitroglycerin / analysis
  • Nitroglycerin / chemistry
  • Organosilicon Compounds / chemistry*
  • Solid Phase Extraction / methods*
  • Triazines / analysis
  • Triazines / chemistry
  • Trinitrotoluene / analysis
  • Trinitrotoluene / chemistry
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / analysis*
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / chemistry

Substances

  • Azocines
  • Dinitrobenzenes
  • Explosive Agents
  • Nitrogen Compounds
  • Organosilicon Compounds
  • Triazines
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical
  • Trinitrotoluene
  • Nitroglycerin
  • 2,6-dinitrotoluene
  • octogen
  • cyclonite