I am looking for alternatives for homogenizing soil samples before sample preparation and analysis for environmental pollutants.

Air drying followed by grinding produces a very homogeneous sample, however there are significant losses of the low boiling and thermally unstable analytes. Example problem analytes include 1,2-dichlorobenzene, napthalene and hexachlorocyclopentadiene.

Any suggestions for homogenization processes and equipment?

You might consider a liquid nitrogen cooled homogenizer--will check to see if I bookmarked it --and get back to you if I find it. Just saw an on-line ad for such a device the other day. Was looking for grinding media etc.
jim

MLBruce said:

I am looking for alternatives for homogenizing soil samples before sample preparation and analysis for environmental pollutants. Air drying followed by grinding produces a very homogeneous sample, however there are significant losses of the low boiling and thermally unstable analytes. Example problem analytes include 1,2-dichlorobenzene, napthalene and hexachlorocyclopentadiene. Any suggestions for homogenization processes and equipment?

Depending on the sample volume, I would recommend to use the CRYO-PRESS, where you homogenize under (and in) liquid nitrogen, but this is for sample volumes of some ml only.