The Extraction of PFAS Molecules from Spiked Soil

Introduction

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of manufactured chemicals that are used in a wide variety of industries because of their resistance to stains, grease, and high temperatures. PFAS possess a chain of linked carbon atoms with fluorine atoms branching off of the main chain. The presence of the strong carbon-fluorine bond contributes to the stability of these compounds, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.” PFAS are used in products such as nonstick cookware, firefighting foam, and stain-resistant carpets.

Because of their persistent nature and their widespread use, this group of substances has leached into the environment with limited methods of remediation. Furthermore, these compounds have been found to bioaccumulate in animals and humans, and exposure in humans has been shown to cause adverse health outcomes, including cancer, infertility, and endocrine disruption. Thus, the assessment of the levels of PFAS in the environment is important to the health and safety of humans.

The EDGE, an automated solvent extraction system, was used to extract a subset of PFAS molecules from spiked soil samples. The EDGE was able to extract the soil samples in less than 10 minutes. The extraction yielded excellent recoveries and standard deviations. Furthermore, there was no carryover found between samples. The EDGE is an excellent choice for laboratories seeking to automate their PFAS extraction.