Automated Micro-scale Method for Testing PFAS in Water: Making Environmental Analysis Faster, Cleaner, and More Efficient

PFAS (Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are persistent chemicals found in many consumer products that are widespread environmental contaminants. As concerns about the health effects grow, so does the need to monitor them in our water. Our new streamlined testing approach uses the ePrep ONE sample preparation workstation to process water samples with minimal hands-on intervention that makes PFAS analysis faster, more efficient, and environmentally friendlier. Redesigning the testing process has created a method that uses 80% less solvents and requires only 10 mL of sample. The automated robot can process 10 samples in 2 hours, or up to 36 samples in 7 hours.

To verify the method's reliability, four different PFAS concentration levels were tested in the water sample (4 to 500 ng/L) that represent the range typically found in monitoring studies. The results were consistent across all concentration levels, medium-length PFAS compounds, and shorter-chain PFAS compounds. PFBA recovered at 95-107% of its spiked concentration.

This novel approach offers several advantages for laboratories and environmental agencies:
* Uses significantly less chemicals, reducing costs and environmental impact
* Processes samples much faster, allowing more tests to be completed in less time
* Produces more consistent results through automation
* Requires smaller water samples, making field collection easier
* Reduces potential contamination through a closed testing system
* The method aligns with EPA guidelines while offering a more resource-efficient approach to PFAS monitoring.

As communities and regulators focus increasingly on PFAS contamination in water, this method provides a practical tool for routine monitoring that maintains high accuracy while reducing resource requirements.