PFAS Sample Preparation and Filtration 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 optimized 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 utilizes 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.

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