Analysis of PFAS in Soils via Automated Soil Sample Preparation and LC-MS/MS as a Screening Procedure for EPA Method 1633Automation & Innovation for Sample Preparation
Poster Presentation
Prepared by B. VanMiddlesworth1, E. Parry2
1 - ePrep Analytical, 2820 Shadelands Drive, Walnut Creek, CA, 94598, United States
2 - Agilent Technologies, 2850 Centerville Rd, Wilmington, DE, 19808, United States
Contact Information: [email protected]; 850-727-1136
ABSTRACT
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances are of considerable interest to regulatory agencies across the globe. In January 2024, the US EPA released method 1633 to test 40 PFAS compounds in a variety of matrices, including soils. An automated screening method for 51 PFAS compounds in soils has been developed and tested with Ottawa sand, top soil, and humic peat soil. Sixty samples can be extracted in parallel with a specialised, grinding magnetic stirrer and automatically controlled magnetic stirring plate. Samples are extracted with methanolic ammonium hydroxide, cleaned using a carbon SPE cartridge, then concentrated prior to LC-MS/MS analysis. Recoveries were compound dependent and acceptable with the EPA 1633 guidelines. Reproducibility of the automated sample preparation workstation were < 10% RSD in laboratory control samples. Carryover was measured with a solvent blank after a mid-level spike and is generally < 1%.
