Steam distillation with resin extraction for isolation and concentration of organic compounds from aqueous samples

Steam distillation is combined with solid-phase resin extraction using a simple apparatus and interface. A concentration factor of at least 100 is obtained. The method is effective for the isolation and concentration of organic compounds from complex aqueous samples ar μg l^?1 levels. Factors affecting the recovery of model compounds are studied; it is shown that the recovery of many compounds is improved markedly by disconnecting the condenser. Under proper conditions, compounds with boiling points in excess of 400°C are recovered quantitatively in only 24 mill.