A critical review of vacuum-assisted headspace solid-phase microextraction for environmental analysis

Vacuum-assisted headspace solid-phase microextraction (Vac-HSSPME) is an emerging analytical technique, which further advances HSSPME by providing lower detection limits of analytes with poor volatility at shorter extraction times. This review discusses the theoretical aspects and possibilities of the Vac-HSSPME technique for analysis of environmental samples. Optimization of key parameters, currently available equipment and methods for quantification of organic pollutants in water and soil are considered. Key problems and limitations of the technique are discussed along with possible approaches for its future development. The technique has a well-developed theory, which could be used for modeling of the extraction process, faster method development, and optimization. Wider application of the technique is limited by the lack of automation, which, however, seems possible to develop and implement by manufacturers of commercial multi-purpose autosamplers for gas chromatography instruments. It has been shown that Vac-HSSPME allows decreasing cross-contamination of samples from the laboratory air, which is advantageous for identification and quantification of trace environmental pollutants. Simple equipment for the technique makes it possible to apply for on-site sample preparation and analysis of environmental samples. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.