Automated PFAS Extraction from Shellfish

There is increasing concern of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in our foodstuff as a whole, due to their persistent nature and noted widespread detection throughout a vast array of matrices. More and more regulations regarding PFAS are being implemented with action limits that are continuing to decrease. Having a harmonized method to accurately determine the PFAS content in food (and other matrices) is important to ensuring long-term detection and regulation. Shellfish are of particular interest as they are bottom feeders and may absorb environmental contaminates from both the water and the sediment. From a sample perspective, shellfish can be challenging to work with, primarily due to their lipid content. In addition to the challenges of the sample matrix, the solvent extraction of PFAS from any matrix is known to be difficult, given the susceptibility to contamination and the low levels in which PFAS compounds are present. Existing solvent extraction techniques are predominantly manual methods that are not rapid, simple, or efficient. In this study the EDGE PFAS™, an automated solvent extraction system, is explored. This system performs an efficient extraction of PFAS compounds from shellfish in one simple process. Upon completion, the final extract is filtered and ready for any minimal cleanup required, as well as analysis. Excellent recovery with tight reproducibility is presented for shellfish samples. The EDGE PFAS method offers a rapid, simple, and efficient solvent extraction solution for PFAS testing.