Researchers at Florida International University (FIU) have developed a laboratory method that reduces the time needed to analyze per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in wastewater from more than six hours to approximately 30 minutes, potentially increasing testing throughput for water quality monitoring.

The method, detailed in a study published in the Journal of Chromatography A, combines automated online solid-phase extraction with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (SPE-LC-MS/MS) to quantify PFAS in complex wastewater samples. The approach uses smaller samples and less solvent while reducing manual handling that can introduce errors.

The researchers evaluated the method’s ability to measure a range of PFAS compounds, including short-chain chemicals that can be difficult to monitor. FIU said its broader testing work detected 39 of 40 compounds on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s list, excluding one compound to avoid compromising detection sensitivity for other regulated PFAS.

Faster analysis could help utilities and laboratories process more samples as PFAS monitoring needs grow. In South Florida, where drinking water supplies rely heavily on the shallow Biscayne Aquifer, Miami-Dade County monitors groundwater wells for PFAS every four months, according to FIU.

The method is not yet ready for widespread adoption by water utilities. The researchers said it requires extensive validation across independent laboratories before it can be certified for routine use. The team is also developing a simpler approach to measure total PFAS rather than individual compounds, with a goal of processing 20 samples per day using less expensive equipment.

The research was conducted by FIU’s Maria Guerra de Navarro, Carolina Cuchimaque Lugo and Natalia Quinete.