Overcoming the Challenges of Automating PFAS Extraction in Wastewater Analysis: Recent Advances and Improvements
PFAS Extraction Challenges associated with the implementation of reliable systems for PFAS analysis remain a key focus of this discussion. In this article, we describe the challenges associated with PFAS automation for analysis and review practical improvements made to implement reliable and workhorse automation for PFAS extraction and analysis. Additionally, we explore the benefits of automated PFAS extraction.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals commonly found in everyday products like non-stick cookware, carpets, and firefighting foams. Due to their strong carbon-fluorine bonds, these compounds are highly persistent and resistant to natural breakdown. This persistence allows PFAS to accumulate in the environment, including drinking water systems, posing significant challenges for water analysis, including automated PFAS extraction challenges.
PFAS consumption through food, water, or air has been linked to serious health problems, including developmental, reproductive, liver, and immune system issues. Regulatory organizations such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) provide guidelines to address PFAS contamination and its associated risks. For more information, visit the EPA’s page on PFAS.
Challenges in PFAS Analysis
The need for simple, fast, and high-throughput PFAS testing is critical for addressing contamination in both small- and large-scale applications. Laboratories face numerous automated PFAS extraction challenges with manual testing processes or existing automated systems, which often fall short in terms of efficiency and accuracy.
1. Precision in Solvent Delivery
Most existing automated SPE systems use either vacuum pumps or pressurized pumps, both of which have limitations:
- Vacuum Pumps:
While vacuum pumps effectively handle samples, they are not suitable for delivering precise solvent volumes. This limitation often results in low recoveries during the extraction process.- Cartridges with lower back pressure allow more solvent to pass through.
- Cartridges with higher back pressure restrict solvent flow, leading to significantly lower solvent volumes passing through.
- The issue becomes more pronounced as more parallel samples are processed, representing a key challenge in automated PFAS extraction.
- Pressurized Pumps:
Automated systems relying solely on pressurized pumps for wastewater extraction are prone to clogging or damage. Wastewater samples often contain small particulates, which can damage pumps and valves, resulting in costly repairs and maintenance.
- Solution:
To address these challenges, FMS has developed the TurboTrace System, which combines both technologies:- A vacuum pump for efficient handling of particulate-laden samples without clogging.
- A pressurized pump for precise solvent delivery, ensuring higher recoveries and accurate results.
2. Clean Blank Challenges
PFAS are ubiquitous in everyday materials, leading to contamination risks during testing. Achieving clean blanks is crucial for maintaining accuracy in PFAS analysis, and addresses automated PFAS extraction challenges effectively.
Solution:
FMS ensures all materials used in its instruments and cartridges are rigorously tested to be clean and contaminant-free. This meticulous approach guarantees consistent and reliable results, free from PFAS contamination.
3. High Costs of Automated Systems and Service Contracts
Automated systems often involve high upfront costs and expensive service contracts, limiting accessibility for smaller laboratories with automated PFAS extraction needs.
Solution:
FMS provides cost-effective and modular solutions tailored for PFAS analysis:
- PFAS Extraction for Wastewater Analysis Designed for PFAS analysis in drinking water and wastewater, these systems streamline the extraction process using EPA-approved methods like Method 537 and Method 1633, enabling accurate testing of multiple PFAS compounds.
- EzPFC System PFAS: A semi-automated, high-throughput SPE system that processes 6 or 12 samples per batch, offering scalability for growing laboratories.
- Automated PFAS Extraction : Modular systems designed for laboratories processing smaller sample batches (1-2 samples per batch), providing a cost-effective entry point to automation with the flexibility to expand as needs grow.
Recent Developments to Overcome the Problem
To further enhance the efficiency and accuracy of PFAS extraction, FMS has introduced advanced integrated solutions that address current limitations:
- High-Capacity Pumping Systems:
- Newly developed pumping mechanisms now handle higher back-pressure cartridges efficiently, ensuring consistent solvent delivery even under challenging conditions.
- Enhanced durability reduces the likelihood of system clogging and pump damage, thus mitigating automated PFAS extraction challenges.
- Enhanced Material Testing:
- FMS has expanded its contaminant screening process to ensure all system components remain PFAS-free, eliminating cross-contamination risks during analysis.
- Scalable Modular Automation:
- The TurboTrace Advance System incorporates modular upgrades for laboratories, allowing seamless transition from small-batch to high-throughput testing without requiring full system replacement.
- Real-Time Monitoring Systems:
- FMS systems now include real-time monitoring capabilities to detect blockages, solvent inconsistencies, or contaminant levels, allowing for immediate adjustments to maintain high-quality results.
These developments ensure that laboratories of all sizes can achieve precise, reliable, and cost-effective PFAS analysis while minimizing operational challenges accessible to laboratories of all sizes, ensuring efficient and reliable operation, and addressing automated PFAS extraction challenges at various scales of operation.
