PFAS ANALYSIS IN SOIL
Simplify soil testing with automated sample preparation.
PFAS analysis in soil is anything but simple. Detection limits set by regulatory bodies – including those defined in EPA 1633 – are extremely low, currently in the parts per trillion range and likely to drop even further. There’s also a high risk of contamination, as PFAS compounds are found in many common lab plastics, including standard PTFE plungers. On top of this, soil samples are complex, and manual preparation is time consuming, error prone and difficult to standardise.
Powerful automation for chromatography sample preparation
The ePrep® ONE addresses the challenges of soil PFAS testing with:
- Fully automated sample preparation, eliminating the variability of manual handling
- Ultra-precise dispensing for accurate addition of internal and surrogate standards at trace levels
- Performance that meets the requirements of environmental regularity bodies
- PFAS-free syringes and plungers, eliminating background contamination from plastics containing Teflon
- Extraction using large amplitude Vortex Mixer
- Consistent and reproducible sample preparation across varied soil types
- Validated methods with high sensitivity and excellent recoveries
- Low volume standard preparation to reduce use of costly reagents
- ROI of 6-8 months, based on staff time savings, fewer repeats and the ability to run workflows outside of working hours
Want to see the ePrep ONE in action? Check out these application notes:
[Automated Sample Preparation for PFAS in Soils at 0.1-100 ppb]
FAQs
PFAS extraction techniques typically involve solvent-based extraction methods, often followed by concentration and clean-up. Automated PFAS extraction using the ePrep ONE eliminates manual handling.
After extraction, PFAS is tested using highly sensitive methods such as LC-MS/MS PFAS analysis. Accurate PFAS testing methods ensure reliable quantification – even at trace levels – and are essential for meeting environmental regulations.
The most effective workflows combine automated PFAS extraction with LC-MS/MS testing. Systems like the ePrep ONE support full PFAS sample prep automation, delivering accurate, repeatable results while reducing solvent use and labour. These solutions also help to lower the cost of PFAS analysis in high throughput labs.
Robotic platforms perform PFAS sample preparation tasks such as reagent addition, internal standard spiking, extraction and transfer. These systems reduce contamination risk and enable consistent, high quality PFAS testing. Automation also enhances analyst safety by minimising exposure to toxic solvents during PFAS extraction.
Automated workflows using the ePrep ONE have achieved LODs as low as 0.08 ng/g, and LOQs down to 0.02 µg/kg in soil samples. These results, based on LC-MS/MS analysis, demonstrate the system’s suitability for high-sensitivity PFAS testing.
The ePrep ONE supports multiple output options, including direct-to-vial formats, filtered solutions, and workflows incorporating graphitised carbon black (GCB) cleanup. These can be tailored depending on the analytes, matrix type and downstream analysis requirements.
Automated platforms can handle a wide range of batch sizes. The ePrep ONE, for example, is optimised for between 5 and 200 samples per batch, making it ideal for both routine low-throughput testing and high-throughput environmental monitoring.
Automating PFAS sample preparation reduces labour costs, limits solvent and standard waste, and increases throughput. It helps to improve consistency and minimise rework, delivering a strong return on investment.
The ePrep ONE employs automated washing routines and uses sealed containers to reduce contamination risks. Syringe-based sample handling – with pre-set cleaning steps – helps to eliminate carryover between samples and improves confidence in trace-level PFAS results. The in-deck wash station integrates seamlessly into workflows to automatically prime and wash syringes, ensuring no detectable carryover and enabling safe waste disposal.
ePREP µSPEed®
A range of optional tools and accessories is available to enhance the capabilities of the ePrep, making it flexible to various sample preparation requirements.
ePREP® ONE
The ePrep ONE offers a fully automated, end-to-end solution for chromatography sample preparation, helping to increase the efficiency and accuracy of virtually any workflow.