The Evaluation of Novel Weak Anion Exchange and Graphitic Carbon Sorbent Blends for PFAS Extraction and Matrix Reduction in Environmental Extracts

Automation & Innovation for Sample Preparation
Oral Presentation

Prepared by M. Giardina, E. Parry, L. Zhao
Agilent Technologies, 2850 Centerville Rd, Wilmington, DE, 19808-1610, United States


Contact Information: [email protected]; 302-636-8211

ABSTRACT

The integration of solid phase extraction (SPE) cartridges with layered graphitized carbon black (GCB) and polymeric weak anion exchange (WAX) sorbents has increasingly been adopted for regulated methods such as US EPA Method 1633. Incorporating a GCB layer within WAX cartridges eliminates the need for manual GCB addition during the solvent extraction step, streamlining the sample preparation workflow and facilitating automation. This study explores the advantages of blending GCB and WAX sorbents over traditional layered configurations. Blended sorbents eliminate the need for an additional frit to separate sorbents within the SPE cartridge, thereby reducing flow impedance. Furthermore, the blending process allows for the use of a wider range of sorbent masses and types to better optimize matrix elimination and target enhancement. In this study, the performance of blended cartridges is compared to layered cartridges for the extraction of PFAS in environmental samples. Results show that both blended and layered sorbents meet the quality control requirements specified in US EPA Method 1633.