Microwave Extraction for PFAS in Solids: A Practical Approach to EPA 1633A Sample Preparation

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in the Environment
Poster Presentation

Prepared by B. Bradley
Milestone, Inc., 25 Controls Drive, Shelton, Connecticut, 06484, United States


Contact Information: [email protected]; 203-343-6710

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) analysis in solid matrices remains a challenging sample-preparation step under EPA Method 1633A, where conventional shaker-table extraction can be time-consuming and labor intensive and inconsistent. This work evaluates a microwave-assisted extraction approach for soils, sediments, biosolids, and tissues using 0.3% ammoniacal methanol in closed polypropylene vessels with controlled heating and active stirring. The method uses a 15-minute extraction at 65 °C, followed by cooling, centrifugation, and the standard downstream SPE and LC-MS/MS workflows per EPA 1633A.

Compared with conventional shaker-table extraction, the microwave approach substantially reduces extraction time and manual handling while increasing sample throughput. Across the reviewed materials, microwave extraction provides comparable or improved performance, particularly for challenging solid matrices, while supporting a more consistent and scalable PFAS workflow under EPA 1633A.