Demonstration of Low PFAS Background Associated with the TurboVap® LV Automated Solvent Evaporation System

Importance of the Topic

Environmental laboratories require solvent evaporation systems that do not introduce PFAS contamination when quantifying trace-level per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Low background is critical for reliable PFAS measurements applied in environmental compliance and research.

Study Objectives and Overview

The study evaluates the PFAS background associated with the TurboVap LV automated solvent evaporation system. A protocol was developed to concentrate methanolic extracts to dryness and verify that any residual PFAS signals remain below the threshold of typical environmental reporting limits.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• Sample preparation: 15 mL of methanol added to polypropylene centrifuge tubes to simulate PFAS SPE extract.
• Evaporation protocol: 60°C bath temperature with a three-step nitrogen flow gradient—2.5 L/min for 15 min, 3.0 L/min for 15 min, 3.5 L/min for 45 min—on a 48-position rack.
• Reconstitution: Dried extracts reconstituted in 1 mL of 96 % methanol/4 % water with internal standard.
• Analysis: LC-MS/MS targeting 18 PFAS analytes including PFBS, PFOA, PFOS, and novel compounds such as HFPO-DA and ADONA.

Instrumentation Used

• TurboVap LV Automated Solvent Evaporation System
• TurboVap LV 48-position Multi Rack
• Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)

Results and Discussion

Background concentrations for all PFAS analytes were below one-third of the minimum reporting level (2 ng/L) as required by environmental methods. Most compounds were non-detectable, and the highest residual levels measured were approximately 3.5 times lower than the 1/3 MRL cutoff. This confirms the TurboVap LV system’s suitability for trace-level PFAS analysis without introducing significant contamination.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Reliable PFAS quantitation at low ng/L levels due to minimal system background.
• Compatibility with high-throughput laboratory workflows using 48-position racks.
• Automation reduces variability and manual handling errors in sample evaporation.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

• Expansion to other emerging contaminants requiring low-background evaporation.
• Integration with direct injection workflows to further streamline PFAS analysis.
• Development of new consumables and inert materials to reduce background in related systems.

Conclusion

The TurboVap LV system demonstrates exceptionally low PFAS background, meeting stringent environmental analytical criteria. Its robust performance and automation capabilities make it an ideal tool for reliable PFAS sample preparation in environmental laboratories.

References

• EPA Method 537.1, Manual Extraction of PFAS in Drinking Water, Application Note AN958.
• Biotage Application Note AN961, Low PFAS Background Associated with TurboVap LV, 2021.