Enhancing Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance (PFAS) Analysis in Solid and Liquid Matrices Using a Fully Automated ApproachAutomation & Innovation for Sample Preparation
Poster Presentation
Prepared by L. Ispiryan1, H. Korb2
1 - Trajan Scientific and Medical, Axel Semrau GmbH, Stefansbecke 42, Sprockhövel, Northrine Westphalia, 45549, Germany
2 - iChrom Solutions, 542 Cross Keys Rd. Suite # 3-376, Sicklerville, New Jersey, 08081-4367, United States
Contact Information: [email protected]; 01743306467
ABSTRACT
The environmental impact of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) remains critical due to their persistence, bioaccumulation, and associated health risks. For regulatory development work and environmental protection it is crucial to improve existing analytical techniques to facilitate the accurate and efficient quantification of PFAS. Given the widespread concern on ecosystems and human health, precise measurement in environmental, biological, and food samples is essential for accurate exposure assessment, risk evaluation, and understanding their fate.
The gold standard for many PFAS analytes is liquid chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Sample preparation is essential to achieve ever-decreasing target limits of quantification (LOQs), while lists of target analytes are increasing. However, adequate sample preparation techniques can be quite tedious and time-consuming. Automation of analytical workflows is key to enhancing efficiency and sustainable practices, eliminating human error, and reducing potential contamination during sample handling.
We demonstrate a fully automated analytical approach for solid and liquid environmental matrices. A modular robotic sample handling system, is directly linked to the online SPE LC-MS/MS. Liquid samples are automatically injected into the miniaturized online SPE system with an integrated cartridge handling system, directly coupled to the chromatographic separation and detection. For solid samples, the entire sample preparation prior to the LC-MS analysis (i.e., 3 rounds of basic methanolic extraction through vigorous mixing, carbon clean-up, filtration) is conducted on the different modules of the robotic system. The final extracts are diluted with water and automatically transferred to the online SPE LC-MS analysis. The entire workflow and analytical system is specifically designed and tailored for the analysis of PFAS, ensuring no background interference. The methodology encompasses over 40 analytes, following analytical procedures described in US EPA method 1633.
The implementation of this fully automated analytical method for PFAS analysis in environmental samples significantly enhances laboratory efficiency and accuracy. By reducing human error and contamination risks, this approach ensures more reliable data for regulatory compliance and environmental protection. Automation in analytical chemistry is an essential movement towards greener and more efficient practices in routine laboratories.
