Atlantic® ReadyDisk - Ready to go SPE Disks for Water Extraction

Importance of Topic

The accurate assessment of trace organic and semivolatile contaminants in water is vital for public health protection, regulatory compliance, and environmental monitoring.
Solid phase extraction (SPE) remains a cornerstone in sample preparation due to its high enrichment capability, effective removal of interferences, and compatibility with diverse analytical techniques.

Objectives and Overview

This document presents Atlantic ReadyDisk SPE devices designed for rapid, single-use extraction of organic pollutants from aqueous matrices.
The overview covers device architecture, media options—including C18, high-capacity C18 (HC-C18), and divinylbenzene (DVB)—and alignment with EPA Methods (500 Series, 525.2, 525.3, 600 Series, 8000 Series).

Methodology and Instrumentation

ReadyDisks integrate proven SPE sorbents into disposable holders that maximize surface interactions and allow high flow rates without breakthrough or clogging.
Each disk accommodates liter-scale sample volumes, enabling precise elution of analytes with minimal carryover. The holder’s design negates the need for cleaning between extractions.

• Media Types:
  • C18 (end-capped silica)
  • HC-C18 (high capacity end-capped silica)
  • DVB (divinylbenzene polymer, pH-independent)
• Target Analytes: pesticides, bisphenol A, PBDEs, herbicides, PAHs, carbonyls, dioxins, furans, PFOAs, phenols
• Instrumentation:
  • Biotage Horizon 5000 automated SPE system
  • Biotage VacMaster Disk manifold

Main Results and Discussion

Validation data show that ReadyDisks deliver consistent recoveries across a broad polarity spectrum while resisting clogging at elevated flow rates.
End-capping of C18 media reduces secondary silanol interactions, improving precision for moderately polar compounds. The HC-C18 variant enhances retention of weaker analytes (e.g., dimethoate, DNT isomers). The DVB phase provides stable, pH-independent performance for EPA Method 525.3 semivolatiles.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Single-use format eliminates holder cleaning and carryover risks.
• High throughput compatible with manual and automated SPE platforms.
• Suitable for large-volume testing of drinking water, groundwater, and wastewater.
• Validated for multiple EPA regulatory methods, ensuring data reliability and compliance.

Future Trends and Possibilities

Anticipated developments include novel mixed-mode and polymeric sorbents for enhanced selectivity, miniaturized SPE disks for microscale applications, and direct on-line coupling with chromatographic systems.
Integration with advanced automation, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and AI-driven method optimization will further streamline workflows, while sustainable sorbent materials and solvent-minimizing protocols support green chemistry goals.

Conclusion

Atlantic ReadyDisk SPE devices provide versatile, high-performance sample preparation for environmental and regulatory analysis of organic contaminants in water.
Their range of validated media, ease of use, and compatibility with standard instrumentation support robust, compliant workflows and improved laboratory efficiency.

Reference

• Application Note AN917: End-capped C18 media for water analysis
• Application Note AN899: High-capacity C18 performance evaluation
• Application Note AN900: DVB polymer phase validation for semivolatiles
• Biotage Literature Number PPS512 (2019)