PFAS Analysis Solutions - ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING FOR PER- AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES

Significance of PFAS Environmental Analysis

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals with strong carbon–fluorine bonds that resist environmental degradation, earning them the title "forever chemicals". Their widespread historical use in industrial and consumer products has led to global contamination, while emerging evidence links PFAS exposure to hormonal disruption and cancer risk, making precise detection essential for environmental safety and regulatory compliance.

Objectives and Study Overview

This application solution outlines a comprehensive analytical workflow for trace-level PFAS detection in drinking, ground, surface, and wastewater. The goal is to demonstrate a turnkey approach—from sample preparation through LC–MS quantitation—aligned with EPA Method 537.1 criteria to ensure recoveries within the 70–130% range for key target analytes.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• Sample Preparation: Mixed-mode weak anion-exchange reversed-phase Oasis WAX cartridges enable clean extraction and concentration of 32 PFAS with minimized cross-contamination. Sep-Pak PS2 cartridges facilitate compliance with EPA 537.1 for 18 perfluoroalkyl acids in drinking water.
• Consumables: PFAS-free polypropylene vials and 1.0 µm aqueous glass syringe filters support trace-level workflows.
• Chromatography: ACQUITY UPLC I-Class PLUS system with flow-through needle and BEH C18 column delivers ultra-low dispersion and sharp peaks for enhanced separation efficiency.
• System Decontamination: PFAS solution installation kits include isolator columns, PEEK tubing, stainless-steel fittings, and tailored sample preparation components to remove residual system PFAS contamination.
• Mass Spectrometry: Xevo TQ-S micro and Xevo TQ-XS triple quadrupole instruments offer high sensitivity, reproducibility, and a broad dynamic range for quantitative PFAS analysis.

Main Results and Discussion

Validated recoveries for all 18 regulated PFAS fell between 70% and 130% across multiple fortified concentrations in reagent water, demonstrating robust method performance. The system demonstrated consistent low-level quantitation, minimal carryover, and rapid analysis times, reinforcing confidence in data quality for complex environmental matrices.

Practical Applications and Benefits

• Regulatory Compliance: Aligns with EPA Method 537.1 requirements for drinking water analysis.
• Versatile Matrix Compatibility: Applicable to groundwater, surface water, and wastewater testing.
• Workflow Efficiency: Streamlined protocols and pre-screened consumables reduce false positives and improve laboratory throughput.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advancements may include broader PFAS target lists, further automation of sample prep, novel SPE sorbents for enhanced selectivity, and next-generation LC–MS interfaces for even lower detection limits. Integration of high-resolution mass spectrometry and data analytics will enable discovery of emerging PFAS and support risk assessment efforts.

Conclusion

The described end-to-end PFAS analysis solution offers an optimized, validated workflow that meets stringent regulatory criteria while ensuring accurate, reproducible results. This robust platform equips laboratories to address current and future PFAS monitoring challenges with confidence.