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Improving PFAS Analysis by Learning from the Past — From the Desk of Paul Connolly

From the Desk of

Paul Connolly, Sr. Product Manager for LC Columns

Improving PFAS Analysis by Learning from the Past

PFAS. Everyone is talking about it.

Analytical companies are going after it, governments are regulating it, and labs are developing methods for it in all conceivable matrices. PFAS has moved to the top of the hit list for many analytical scientists in just about every market and discipline.

My personal journey with PFAS started about 20 years ago when I worked for a contract lab. We developed methods to extract and analyze these compounds for manufacturers using them in all manner of products. So, we put together methods for water, soil, flora and fauna, paper, packaging, pans, fabrics, and more. As awareness of the potential harm these chemicals posed grew, we developed analytical methods and performed testing on tens of thousands of samples for a highly publicized epidemiological program that sought to determine the health impact of PFAS in the environment.

Back then, PFAS testing was challenging because it was a new frontier and we had to figure out how to analyze for these compounds—especially how to overcome the ubiquitous nature of PFOA, the C8 acid that was seemingly everywhere. We learned how to set up a delay column to hold back the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances that were already in our HPLCs. We learned to prefilter and pretest our mobile phases. We learned how to meticulously screen every container, vial, septa, and pipette in the lab. We learned about antistatic sprays and stain-resistant clothing and that they needed to stay out of the lab. It all added a significant dimension to the testing, but we learned more and improved our analyses every day.

In these early times, the detection levels and limits were relatively high, and the compound lists were much smaller than they are now. The concern was degradation of fluorochemicals (as we called them back in the day), which broke down to C8—and then stayed there, earning them the moniker “Forever Chemicals.” Now, we are looking for smaller and smaller chain lengths, precursors, and many moieties. In a 2018 OECD report, an astounding 4,730 PFAS-related compounds had been identified and categorized!

Testing for PFAS hasn’t gotten easier with more compounds, lower limits, challenging matrices, and the political and social awareness and scrutiny associated with these compounds. But, we have all of the early work to look back on and guide us in this new age of better, more robust instruments and products made to the demands of these challenging compounds.

If you’re analyzing PFAS, Restek’s methods-based PFAS Product Guide is a great resource for you to use to easily select the right consumables for your work.

Of particular note, Restek now offers the novel Raptor Polar X LC column, which is capable of retaining even the most polar, ultrashort-chain PFAS compounds that alkyl columns cannot handle. And, a dedicated PFAS delay column with great support on why it is important and how to use it. And, the Resprep S-DVB SPE cartridge that is ideal for PFAS analysis in drinking water.

On top of great technical resources, example chromatograms, and rugged chromatography products, Restek has the experience to help you overcome any PFAS analysis challenge. If you have any questions during your own PFAS journey, Restek Technical Service is just a call or email away. By leveraging our lessons from the past, we can help make the future brighter for your lab and our environment.

Paul Connolly
Sr. Product Manager for LC Columns