Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) has become a prominent sample preparation technique in recent years owing to its reported efficiency and time-saving extraction capabilities. This is particularly so in the field of environmental analysis, where a large amount of SFE research has been undertaken. This paper describes the major areas of environmental SFE research being currently investigated with emphasis on the type of matrix being considered. Typical analytes reported include pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxins and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.