Improving extraction efficiency of SPME on soil samples by using SPME–trap and SPME–trap with enrichment

Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) is a commonly used sampling technique for the profiling of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from soil; however, the technique is limited by the amount of phase available. The introduction of SPME–trap and SPME–trap with enrichment is a step change towards improving sample extraction and reaching lower detection limits while strengthening confidence in compound identification. This application note demonstrates the possibility to extend the number of identified peaks from a complex soil matrix. Utilising SPME–trap with enrichment, the number of compounds identified were increased from 544 (SPME–trap) to 656. SPME–trap with enrichment is an extension of SPME on the Markes Centri® sample extraction and enrichment platform.

The study of soils is fundamental for a wide range of ecosystem services (e.g., nutrient cycling, water purification, food provisioning and climate regulation). The health of soils affects the whole earth system,¹ so it is essential that soil health is monitored to ensure these ecosystems are well maintained. Degradation of soil health is typically caused by anthropogenic sources (industrial pollution, agriculture, improper disposal of waste) that have an adverse impact on the global economy, with an estimated annual cost of $231 billion. In the UK and USA alone, these annual costs are estimated to be $2 billion and $22 billion, respectively.²

Robust biological quality indicators for monitoring soil health that can be widely adopted across the agricultural sector have remained elusive.³ VOC profiles are used as non-destructive fingerprints allowing the monitoring of organisms and enabling an understanding of bi- and multi-trophic interactions between microorganisms, plants and invertebrates in the soil.⁴ A diverse range of VOCs, including carboxylic acids, alcohols, terpenes, amines, esters and alkenes, can be found in soils.⁵ Detecting such a wide array of compounds across a large concentration range from a complex matrix is a challenging task.

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