Automated Extraction and LC-MS/MS Analysis of PFAS from Sludge Matrices Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in the Environment
Poster Presentation
Prepared by C. Plummer1, N. Padliya1, X. Rodriguez2, S. Marangoni3
1 - Waters Corporation, 34 Maple Street, Milford, MA, 01757, United States
2 - Waters Corporation, Ronda Can Fatjó 7-A, Parc Tecnològic del Vallès, 08290 Cerdanyola del Vallès, , Barcelona, Spain
3 - S.E.S.A. SpA Laboratorio, Viale Tre Venezie 26, , Monselice, Italy
Contact Information: [email protected]; 734-263-9250
ABSTRACT
Municipal and industrial sludge represents one of the most challenging matrices for PFAS analysis due to high solids content, organic load, and ionic complexity, which can negatively impact solid-phase extraction (SPE) performance and reproducibility. As PFAS monitoring expands to include more heterogeneous waste streams, there is increasing need for extraction approaches that maintain analytical robustness while reducing operator dependence.
In this study, PFAS extraction from sludge extracts was evaluated using dual-phase SPE cartridges in both GCB/WAX and WAX/GCB configurations. Manual vacuum manifold processing was compared directly to automated extraction using an Andrew+TM Pipetting Robot equipped with an Extraction+TM Connected Manifold followed by LC-MS/MS analysis.
Across all conditions examined, PFAS recoveries were comparable between manual and automated workflows and exceeded 75%, with minimal matrix effects observed using isotopically labeled internal standards. No significant differences in recovery were observed between cartridge orientations, indicating flexibility in sorbent configuration for sludge matrices. Automated extraction produced results equivalent to experienced manual processing while providing standardized flow control and protocol-driven execution. These results demonstrate that automated SPE can reliably support PFAS analysis in complex sludge matrices while simplifying workflows and reducing reliance on analyst technique.
