Application Note: In-line Filtration of Groundwater Samples for Heavy Metal Analysis with Sartolab^® P20 Plus

Filter membranes with a pore size of 0.45 μm are used for in-field sample preparation to investigate groundwater for dissolved heavy metals. Depending on the sample volume and the particulate load of suspended matter, so-called in-line filters can significantly streamline the sampling process, in contrast to the use of syringe filters.

The Sartolab^® P20 Plus in-line filter presented in this paper was compared with syringe filters with regard to its suitability based on throughput and particle reduction. As a result, we could show that Sartolab^® P20 Plus filters are clearly superior to syringe filters in terms of throughput and particle reduction. Additionally, Sartolab^® P20 Plus filters were tested for the release of heavy metals and their recovery after addition in several concentrations. Sartolab^® P20 Plus does not release or adsorb any amounts of heavy metals relevant for groundwater monitoring.

Based on the results, Sartolab^® P20 Plus in-line filters are suitable for sample preparation of groundwater for heavy metal analysis and therefore significantly simplify on-site sampling.