The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently published the revised version of a method that enables the monitoring of 40 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in solid and semisolid samples (i.e., EPA 1633, revision A, December 2024). EPA Method 1633A is labor-intensive and requires multiple sample handling and transfer steps. Herein, we present a semiautomated method for extraction and enrichment of PFAS from soil samples that substantially reduces sample handling, minimizes risk of contamination, and improves throughput, achieving excellent recoveries for all target analytes. Our approach relies on extracting PFAS from solid/semisolid samples via automated gas-assisted dynamic accelerated solvent extraction (GA-dASE). This is followed by clean-up and enrichment of extract with a semiautomated solid-phase extraction system (SPE), utilizing bimodal graphitized carbon black and weak anion exchange (GCB/WAX) cartridges. Our results showed that the instruments and method herein presented can successfully deliver a sample to vial solution for PFAS analysis in solid and semisolid samples and can meet the U.S. EPA 1633A performance requirements.

Despite best efforts in 2004 to ban their use, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) remain prevalent across the globe, including in soil. To protect human health, agricultural and environmental soil require careful investigation, but preparing samples for gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis is time-consuming, and mostly done manually. Accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) has been the preferred preparation method for the past few decades, and while we have seen advancements, the method remains manual. Now, new technology offers parallel sample processing, combined extraction and evaporation, and automation—leading to faster analysis, reduced risk of error, and freed-up time for personnel.