Solid Phase Extraction Techniques for Trace Element Analysis in Environmental Samples

Solid phase extraction (SPE) has emerged as a versatile and indispensable tool for isolating and concentrating trace elements from complex environmental matrices such as surface water, groundwater, soils and biota. By exploiting selective interactions between target ions and functionalised sorbent materials, SPE facilitates preconcentration, matrix removal and compatibility with instrumental detectors including inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Advances in sorbent design—ranging from polymeric resins and silica-based substrates to magnetic nanoparticles, graphene-based composites and molecularly imprinted polymers—have enhanced selectivity and adsorption capacity. Dispersive formats and miniaturised variants such as solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and ultrasound-assisted approaches have further reduced solvent use and analysis time. Paramount parameters include pH control, sorbent dosage, contact time and elution efficiency. Together, these refinements underpin sensitive, reliable monitoring of heavy metals and metalloids at sub-ppb levels, supporting water quality assessment, pollution mapping, food safety assurance and resource exploration on a global scale.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have introduced a core–shell magnetic polystyrene–iron oxide nanocomposite as a dispersive SPE sorbent for copper quantification in water, soil and biological samples. The composite offers high surface area and rapid magnetic separation, achieving a detection limit of 1.6 ng mL⁻¹ and enrichment factors exceeding 50. Optimisation of pH, sorbent mass and elution conditions yielded recoveries above 99%. Adsorption phenomena conform to Freundlich and pseudo-second-order kinetic models, illustrating chemisorption-driven uptake. This approach exemplifies integration of tailored nanostructures with established atomic absorption techniques, paving the way for routine, field-compatible trace element analysis.

Research from all publishers

A mesoporous silicon filter modified with bisphosphonates has been developed for on-site capture and concentration of Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb from drill-hole waters. Coupling the filter directly to portable XRF enabled detection limits down to 12 μg L⁻¹, demonstrating the feasibility of real-time mineral exploration assays. Separately, novel chitosan microspheres grafted with N-methacryloyl-L-alanine acid have been employed in SPE coupled to ICP-MS for simultaneous enrichment of V, Cr, As, Pb, Cd and Cu in food matrices. Under optimised conditions, limits of detection in the low ng L⁻¹ range and recoveries of 86–103% were achieved, illustrating the potential of bio-derived sorbents for environmental and food-safety monitoring.

Solid Phase Extraction Techniques for Trace Element Analysis in Environmental Samples publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in solid phase extraction techniques for trace element analysis in environmental samples across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Solid-phase extraction (SPE): A technique that isolates target analytes from a liquid matrix by adsorption onto a solid sorbent, followed by elution in a small volume.

Dispersive solid-phase extraction (d-SPE): A variant in which sorbent particles are directly dispersed into the sample, enhancing mass transfer and reducing extraction time.

Enrichment factor: The ratio of analyte concentration in the eluent to that in the original sample, indicating preconcentration efficiency.

Nanocomposite: A hybrid material combining nanoscale components (e.g. magnetic nanoparticles and polymers) to improve sorption capacity and separation properties.

References

1. Preparation of a magnetic polystyrene nanocomposite for dispersive solid-phase extraction of copper ions in environmental samples. Scientific Reports (2020).
2. A feasible approach to measure metal concentrations in drill hole waters on site for mineral exploration. The Science of The Total Environment (2024).
3. Novel poly (N-methacryloyl-L-alanine acid) grafted chitosan microspheres based solid-phase extraction coupled with ICP-MS for simultaneous detection of trace metal elements in food. Food Chemistry X (2023).