Application of solid-phase microextraction to the recovery of explosives and ignitable liquid residues from forensic specimens

A current review of the application of solid-phase microextraction (SPME) t o the analysis of ignitable liquids and explosive residues is presented alo ng with experimental results demonstrating the relative effects of controll able variables. Variables discussed include fiber chemistry, adsorption and desorption temperatures, extraction and desorption times, fiber sampling p lacement (direct, headspace, and partial headspace) and matrix effects, inc luding water content. SPME is shown to be an inexpensive, rapid and sensiti ve method for the analysis of ignitable liquids and high explosives residue s from solid debris samples and from aqueous samples. Explosives are readil y detected at parts per trillion concentrations and ignitable liquids are r eproducibly detected at levels below those using conventional methods. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.