Automating Solvent Extraction of PFAS from Solid Samples: A Closer Look at Increasing Efficiency in the Lab

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals known for their environmental persistence and potential health risks due to their tendency to bioaccumulate. Found in everything from environmental and food samples to consumer products, PFAS contamination presents a growing analytical challenge. As such, there is a pressing need for efficient and consistent methods to extract PFAS from complex sample matrices. While solvent extraction is commonly used for isolating PFAS from solid samples, traditional manual techniques are often time-consuming, inconsistent, and susceptible to human error. To address these limitations, the EDGE PFAS™ system—a fully automated solvent extraction platform—offers a streamlined solution for rapid PFAS extraction. The system delivers filtered, analysis-ready extracts with minimal manual intervention, significantly increasing throughput and reducing variability. To demonstrate the system’s effectiveness, a range of PFAS-contaminated samples—including food and environmental matrices—were processed using the EDGE PFAS. Results showed excellent recovery rates and reproducibility, confirming that automated solvent extraction provides a fast, reliable, and scalable workflow for PFAS testing laboratories.