PFAS Testing & Analysis
Conclusion
The unique nature of per- and polyfl uoroalkyl substances in providing inert materials that have high thermal insulation properties and high levels of hydrophobicity have resulted in them becoming ubiquitous across society and within the analytical laboratory. This study has highlighted that PFAS can be found in a variety of sources from nitrile gloves to paper tissues and even in some septa used in sample vials. It is also feasible for background PFAS compounds to originate from the HPLC system, specifi cally PEEK tubing, however the use of a delay column and carefully chosen method conditions will ensure that any contamination of the HPLC system or solvents can be separated from sample PFAS components meaning that accurate quantifi cation can be achieved.
Analytical science plays an important role in modern society, ensuring that we live in a world that is safe, and potentially identifying risks that are not obvious. It is however extremely important that as scientists we do not lose the relationship with the context in our bid to develop ever more sensitive assays. It is important to understand that the data we produce is tightly associated with the total workfl ow (process and reagents) that we employ and that assumptions about the cleanliness/purity of these components may result in erroneous/misinterpretations of the resulting data. As scientists we must understand the purpose/aim of what we do (‘why’) is of equal importance to understanding the scientifi c workfl ow/strategy and its limitations (‘what’ and ‘how’).
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www.labmate-online.com PFAS sample preparation and fi ltration for complex matrices
When dealing with higher particulate samples, such as wastewater, a filtration step may be necessary before analysis. Millipore EXPRESS Polyethersulfone (PES) membranes, available in either a Millex® syringe filter or in cut disc format, provide the means to test these more complex matrices. In a recent study, three lots of nonsterile PES Millex® syringe filters were tested for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) extractables, and no PFAS extractables were detected for all the compounds tested. Notably, the analytes tested included all those in EPA 537.1 and SW-846 Method 8327, as well as the majority of analytes in ASTM D7979-19 and ISO 21675. This demonstrates the efficacy of PES membranes in enabling the analysis of PFAS in challenging sample types.
Sample preparation products play a crucial role in achieving accurate and precise results when dealing with PFAS analysis. To address the need for optimised sample cleanup and concentration, a range of high-quality vacuum manifolds, solid phase extraction (SPE) cartridges, and large volume samplers are available. These products are designed to support diverse PFAS sample preparation requirements, ensuring the reliability of analytical outcomes.
In particular, Supelclean™ SPE cartridges are instrumental in PFAS analyte extraction from drinking water, as detailed in various regulatory methods such as EPA 537 and 533. These methods recommend the use of SPE cartridges followed by analysis via liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). The Supelclean™ ENVI-WAX SPE cartridges, based on weak anion exchange (WAX), are commonly employed due to their capacity to extract both short and long-chain PFAS analytes with high recoveries, as validated in EPA 533 and ISO methods. Similarly, EPA 537 utilises polystyrene divinylbenzene (PS-DVB) cartridges, such as the Supelclean™ ENVI™-Chrom P SPE cartridge, to achieve high recoveries for medium and long-chain PFAS analytes.
These solutions offer a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges associated with PFAS sample preparation, ensuring the reliability and accuracy of PFAS analysis in diverse environmental and industrial matrices.
More information online:
ilmt.co/PL/vw6m 62695pr@reply-direct.com
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