Phase equilibrium method for determination of desorption efficiencies.

The principle of phase equilibrium is applied to the determination of desorption efficiencies of organic compounds collected on activated charcoal. The method depends on the existance of a true equilibrium distribution between the adsorbed and solution phases of organics in the desorption solvent--adsorbent matrix. Improved and more consistant desorption efficiencies are obtained by considering the effects of variations in the adsorbent--solvent ratio and equilibrium temperature at time of analysis. The technique may also provide early detection of interaction or reaction of the sorbate on the adsorbent surface.