LCTEch Automated PFAS Clean-up

Significance of the Topic

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants with widespread use and significant health concerns. Reliable detection at trace levels requires clean-up procedures that avoid background contamination. Automating PFAS extraction reduces human error, ensures reproducibility, and minimizes blank values, supporting regulatory compliance and high-throughput analysis.

Objectives and Study Overview

This work evaluates an automated PFAS clean-up solution based on a modified FREESTYLE robotic platform. The main goals are to eliminate system-derived blank values by removing fluoropolymer contact surfaces, to assess recovery of target PFAS according to recent regulations, and to demonstrate robustness and throughput for routine water analysis.

Used Methodology and Instrumentation

The clean-up process employs solid phase extraction (SPE) adapted for PFAS analysis. All sample-contacting parts are free or nearly free of fluoropolymers. Two configurations are presented:

• FREESTYLE BASIC system with SPE-PFAS module for samples up to 100 mL
• FREESTYLE BASIC system with SPE-PFAS and XANA-PFAS modules for water volumes from 0.1 L to 10 L

Automated steps include conditioning, sample load, washing, elution, and fraction collection. The platform integrates seamlessly into a laboratory workflow with low maintenance requirements and user-friendly operation.

Main Results and Discussion

No measurable PFAS blank values were observed in background tests, matching neat solvent controls. Recovery of ten selected compounds, following DIN 38407-42, ranged from 66 % to 107 % with relative standard deviations below 4 %. The lowest recovery (66 %) was noted for polyfluorodecanoic acid, while most analytes exceeded 100 % recovery, reflecting efficient extraction and elution. Robust automation contributed to consistent performance across replicates.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Regulatory compliance: Meets public standards for PFAS determination in water
• High throughput: Capable of processing up to 10 L samples with minimal manual intervention
• Low blank levels: Virtually eliminates system-derived PFAS contamination
• Cost efficiency: Reduced labor and maintenance compared to manual protocols

Future Trends and Opportunities

The integration of this automated clean-up with online liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry offers real-time monitoring and further reduces turnaround time. Expanding the platform to accommodate emerging PFAS and other polar contaminants will broaden its application scope. Coupling with digital laboratory management systems can enhance data traceability and process control.

Conclusion

The modified FREESTYLE robotic system provides a robust and contamination-free solution for automated PFAS clean-up. It achieves reliable recoveries, negligible blank values, and high throughput, making it suitable for routine environmental and regulatory laboratories.

Reference

1. DIN 38407-42 Determination of PFAS in water by solid phase extraction
2. LCTech GmbH Automated PFAS Clean-up on FREESTYLE Application Note P/N 17392, August 2019