Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) analysis

Importance of the Topic

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants with high persistence and bioaccumulation potential. Accurate detection and quantitation of PFAS in water and other matrices is essential to assess exposure risks, comply with stringent global regulations, and protect human health and ecosystems.

Objectives and Study Overview

This guide consolidates recommended consumables and workflows for PFAS analysis across multiple regulatory methods, including:

• EPA Method 537.1 (drinking water SPE and LC/MS/MS)
• EPA Method 533 (short-chain PFAS)
• EPA 8327 (direct injection for groundwater, surface water, wastewater)
• ASTM D7979 (water sludge, influent, effluent)
• ISO 21675:2019 (nonfiltrated waters)
• Agilent Application Note 5994-0919EN (simultaneous extraction of 53 PFAS)

It aims to streamline ordering of sample preparation cartridges, LC columns, HPLC conversion kits, and related supplies for reliable, reproducible analyses.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The workflows employ solid-phase extraction (SPE) or direct injection, followed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). Key steps include:

• SPE using C18, WAX or polymeric cartridges for analyte enrichment and cleanup
• Use of PFC-free HPLC conversion kits and delay columns to eliminate background PFAS
• Guard and separation columns with C18 or stable-bond Aqua phases for analyte resolution
• Direct injection methods for high throughput of complex samples

Applied Instrumentation

Major instruments and components include:

• Agilent 1290 Infinity II HPLC system
• Agilent 6495B Triple Quadrupole LC/MS
• InfinityLab PFC-free HPLC conversion kit with tubing, inline filters, wash bottle assembly, and delay column
• InfinityLab Quick Connect and Quick Turn fittings for UHPLC connections
• Regenerated cellulose syringe filters and solvent filtration assemblies

Main Results and Discussion

The assembled consumables ensure:

• Elimination of PFAS background contamination and false positives
• Consistent recovery and sensitivity at low ng/L levels to meet global regulatory limits
• Flexibility to adapt to various sample types and method requirements

Selection of specific cartridge chemistries and column dimensions optimizes performance for target analytes, including both legacy and emerging PFAS.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The comprehensive ordering guide helps laboratories to:

• Accelerate method setup and reduce procurement time
• Maintain regulatory compliance with validated consumables
• Achieve reproducible and high-quality data across diverse water and wastewater matrices

Future Trends and Opportunities

Emerging areas include development of automated SPE workflows, miniaturized extraction formats, high-resolution MS for non-target PFAS screening, and green chemistry approaches to reduce solvent usage. Integration with data analytics and online monitoring platforms will further enhance environmental surveillance.

Conclusion

Selecting the right combination of PFC-free sample preparation tools, LC columns, and accessories is critical for robust PFAS analysis. Agilent’s guide offers a unified framework to support accurate, compliant, and efficient workflows.

Reference

L. Ahrens, M. Bundschuh. Fate and effects of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances in the aquatic environment: A review. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 2014, 33(9), 1921–1929.
Agilent Technologies. Application Note 5994-0919EN: Analysis of >50 Legacy and Emerging PFAS in Water Using the Agilent 6495B Triple Quadrupole LC/MS.