Because of its simplicity, speed and effectiveness, solid-phase extraction
(SPE) has become the preferred technique for concentration of selected anal
ytes prior to chromatographic or electrophoretic analysis. In this review t
he historical development of SPE is briefly traced. Then the principles of
SPE are reviewed in some detail. Numerous references are given on the forma
t, sorbents, elution conditions, online techniques and automation with spec
ial emphasis on relatively recent developments. The principles and recent a
dvances in solid-phase microextraction (SPME) are also reviewed. The final
section on selected recent applications includes an extensive list of refer
ences to work published within the last three years. Future trends and deve
lopments are discussed briefly. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights r
eserved.