A novel method for detecting per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) by colorimetric emulsion extraction

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Water Quality Monitoring

Background:

• Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants with known toxicological risks.
• Current PFAS analysis methods (e.g., mass spectrometry) are accurate but labor-intensive, costly, and time-consuming.
• There is a critical need for rapid, fieldable screening methods to efficiently assess PFAS contamination across large areas.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel emulsion extraction methodology for isolating PFAS from aqueous samples.
• To develop a rapid, cost-effective, and fieldable screening method for PFAS detection.
• To enable efficient prioritization of sites for in-depth PFAS analysis.

Main Methods:

• Development of a novel emulsion extraction technique to isolate PFAS from water.
• Integration of emulsion extraction with colorimetric detection methods.
• Demonstration of visual (naked eye) colorimetric detection of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) below 30 ppt.

Main Results:

• The emulsion extraction method successfully isolates PFAS from aqueous media.
• The combined method allows for rapid PFAS detection (minutes) at concentrations from ppm to ppt.
• Visual detection of PFOA below 30 ppt was achieved.
• The prototype kit is low-cost (<$150 to build, <$2 per test) and reusable.

Conclusions:

• The semi-quantitative emulsion extraction method offers a new approach for PFAS concentration and detection.
• This method is cost-effective, scalable, and suitable for field deployment.
• The developed kit can significantly improve the efficiency of PFAS contamination screening and site assessment.