Agilent Bond Elut PFAS WAX SPE cartridges

Significance of the Topic

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous in industrial applications and consumer products. Their strong carbon–fluorine bonds lead to exceptional chemical stability, environmental persistence, and bioaccumulation potential. Growing regulatory limits for PFAS in water, soil, and biota make sensitive, accurate, and reliable analytical methods essential for environmental monitoring and compliance.

Objectives and Study Overview

This work presents the Agilent Bond Elut PFAS WAX solid phase extraction (SPE) cartridges designed to streamline PFAS sample preparation. The aim is to demonstrate compliance with major regulatory methods, reduce laboratory costs per sample, minimize contamination risks, and deliver consistent recoveries across a broad PFAS target list.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The methodology centers on SPE using polymeric polystyrene divinylbenzene (PSDVB) sorbent with weak anion exchange (WAX) chemistry (diamino functionality, pKa > 8). Cartridges are available in 6 mL formats with 150 mg, 200 mg, and 500 mg bed masses to accommodate varied sample volumes and sensitivity requirements. Sample preparation workflows follow key standards including EPA Methods 533, 537, 537.1 and draft 1633, EPA 8327, ASTM D7979 and D7968, and ISO/DIS 21675:2019.

Instrumentation

• UHPLC systems, such as the 1290 Infinity II with PFC-free conversion kit (tubing, inline filters, delay column).
• Triple quadrupole mass spectrometers for isotope-dilution quantification.
• Supporting consumables: Captiva EMR-Lipid for lipid removal, Bond Elut LMS for high-throughput large-molecule SPE, PFC-free syringes and filters.

Key Results and Discussion

In U.S. EPA Method 533 workflows, the Bond Elut PFAS WAX SPE cartridges yielded mean recoveries between 80 % and 120 % with relative standard deviations below 15 % for 25 regulated analytes. Extended PFAS panels (including short- and long-chain acids, sulfonamides, fluorotelomer derivatives, and ether acids) also exhibited consistent recoveries above 70 %. Comparative data highlight improved signal intensity and reduced background contamination versus commercially available WAX products.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Regulatory compliance: Meets or exceeds requirements for EPA, ASTM, and ISO PFAS methods.
• Cost efficiency: Flexible bed mass options and reduced re-runs lower cost per sample.
• Data quality: Minimized contamination and high recovery consistency streamline data processing.
• Workflow integration: Compatible with Agilent eMethods for rapid method deployment and CrossLab services for full-lab support.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

• Expansion to draft EPA Method 1633 for solids, tissues, and non-potable water matrices.
• Broader analyte coverage, including chlorinated and phosphorylated PFAS species.
• Increased automation and high-throughput SPE formats.
• Integration of digital eMethods and advanced analytics for real-time monitoring.

Conclusion

Agilent Bond Elut PFAS WAX SPE cartridges offer a robust, compliant, and cost-effective solution for comprehensive PFAS extraction. Their consistent performance and method flexibility support laboratories in meeting stringent regulatory demands and generating reliable environmental data.

References

1. U.S. EPA Method 533: Determination of PFAS in drinking water.
2. U.S. EPA Method 537 and 537.1: Measurement of PFAS in drinking water by isotope dilution LC-MS/MS.
3. U.S. EPA Draft Method 1633: PFAS in non-potable water, solids, and tissues.
4. U.S. EPA Method 8327: PFAS in surface and wastewater matrices.
5. ASTM D7979-19: PFAS in environmental waters by LC-MS/MS.
6. ASTM D7968-17: PFAS in soils and solids by LC-MS/MS.
7. ISO/DIS 21675:2019: PFAS in water and wastewater by SPE LC-MS/MS.