The solid-phase microextraction (SPME) is a new method for the extraction of organic compounds from environmental samples which eliminates the use of solvents. Stationary phases coating fused silica fibre are used to extract the analytes from the sample. After extraction the sorbed substances are introduced into the GC system, where they are thermally desorbed and analyzed. The SPME methods are classified according to the physical-chemical principle as direct methods and headspace methods. The review deals mainly with the utilization of SPME for the preconcentration of organic pollutants from environmental matrices giving 100 references.