PFAS

PFAS is the abbreviation for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These are industrial chemicals and can be found in many industrial products such as paper, textiles and cosmetics. PFAS are difficult to break down and can be detected in the environment, the food chain and in human blood. PFAS are suspected of causing cancer.

 

In September 2023, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) published several limit values for PFAS and products containing PFAS. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also introduced a new method (EPA Method 1633) for determining PFAS in various matrices in January 2024. In addition, six PFAS were regulated by the EPA in drinking water in April 2024, which even introduced a limit of zero for PFOA and PFOS. Based on these developments, it is becoming increasingly important to detect PFAS in different matrices and to lower the detection limits.

 

On this page you will find a general workflow for PFAS analysis, all related products for chromatography, many brochures and some applications.

Figure 1: General structure of PFAS.

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Technical Data

PFAS Workflow

PFAS are mainly analysed in samples with a complex matrix such as various water samples (waste water, drinking water), soil samples or air samples. Due to these complex matrices in water and soil samples, it is essential to prepare the sample using SPE. Depending on the target group of the PFAS, different methods can be used. The procedure for sample preparation and usually also the analysis is described using prescribed methods such as EPA Method 1633, 533, 537.1 or ISO 21675:2019. The various methods are aimed at different PFAS. The most comprehensive method is currently EPA Method 1633, which can be used to analyse most PFAS.

Air sampler

For samples from the air, the PFAS must first be collected from the air. An air sampler such as the PFAS FM4 from GL Sciences can be used for this purpose. With the help of a pump, air is sucked through various filter media, which specifically collect ionic and neutral/volatile PFAS. The PFAS can then be eluted using organic solvents and analysed using chromatography.

Chromatography

Sample preparation is followed by analysis, which can be carried out using LC or GC. The PFAS to be analysed again play a decisive role in the selection of the appropriate method. Neutral and volatile PFAS can be analysed by GC. However, charged PFAS in particular are not detected, which is why LC is the preferred method for analysing both neutral and charged PFAS.

PFAS delay column

As PFAS are polyfluorinated compounds, it is important to ensure that no additional polyfluorinated impurities are introduced into the system. This can be the case, for example, when using PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene, Teflon) or other polymers. As this cannot be completely avoided, especially within the HPLC system, so-called delay columns are used to keep the polyfluorinated compounds out of the system so that the sample can be analysed cleanly.

Reversed phase chromatography

Due to its good water solubility and yet hydrophobic properties, reverse phase chromatography is ideal for analysing PFAS. By using special columns, which can also be used in 100% aqueous solutions, up to 40 PFAS can be separated in one run.

Applications

EPA Method 1633

EPA method 1633 covers 40 different PFAS. Aqueous, soil and tissue samples can be analysed using the same LC method. Only the sample preparation differs.

 

Peak Identities

1. PFBA  2. PFMPA  3. 3-3 FTCA  4. PFPeA  5. PFBS  6. PFMBA  7. PFEESA  8. NFDHA  9. 4-2FTS  10. PFHxA  11. PFPeS  12. HFPO-DA  13. PFHpA  14. PFHxS  15. 5-3 FTCA  16. ADONA  17. 6-2FTS  18. PFOA  19. PFHpS  20. PFNA  21. PFOS  22. 7-3 FTCA  23. 9Cl-PF3ONS  24. 8-2FTS  25. PFDA  26. PFNS  27. NMeFOSAA  28. PFOSA  29. PFDS  30. PFUnA  31. NEtFOSAA  32. 11Cl-PF3OUdS  33. PFDoA  34. NMeFOSA  35. NMEFOSE  36. PFDoS  37. PFTrA  38. NEtFOSE  39. NEtFOSA  40. PFTeDA

Chromatography Columns

Column: HALO PFAS, 100x2.1mm, 2.7µm (92812-613)

Delay Column: HALO PFAS Delay, 50x3.0mm, 2.7µm (92113-415)

Downloads

The manufacturers GL Sciences, UCT, Restek, ThermoScientific, Waters and PerkinElmer have published comprehensive guides for the determination of PFAS, from sample preparation to analysis. In addition to columns for analysis, SPE cartridges, QuEChERS and other accessories for the PFAS workflow can also be found here.


Manufacturer overview


GL Sciences

Sample preparation:

  • Air Sampler
  • InertSep PLS-2 (EPA 537.1)
  • InertSep WAX, MA-2 (EPA 533)

 

HPLC:

GC:

  • InertCap Pure-WAX (Air Sampling)


Merck Supelco (Sigma-Aldrich)

Sample preparation:

  • Supelclean ENVI-WAX (EPA 533)

 

HPLC - Reversed Phase:

  • Ascentis Express PFAS 2.7µm
  • Ascentis Express PFAS Delay 2.7µm




Shodex

HPLC - HILIC:

  • HILICpak VT-50 2D 5µm

S*Pure

Sample preparation:

  • SEClute PFAS

Thermo Fisher

HPLC - Reversed Phase:

  • Hypersil GOLD aQ 3µm (EPA 537)
  • Accucore RP-MS 2.6µm (EPA 1633, 533, 537, 8327)
  • Hypersil BDS C18 5µm

 

UHPLC - Reversed Phase:

  • Acclaim 120 C18 2.2µm (1633, 533, 537)
  • Acclaim Polar Advantage 2.2µm (1633, 533, 537)

 

GC:

  • TraceGOLD TG-200MS
  • TraceGOLD TG-5SilMS

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