A High Efficiency Method for the Extraction and Quantitative Analysis of 45 PFAS in Whole Fish

• DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c10001
• Publication Date: 2025-02-15T14:38:51Z
• Authors: Sarah Balgooyen; Madelynn Scott; Brett R. Blackwell; Erin L. Pulster; Michael B. Mahon; Ryan F. Lepak; Will J. Backe
• Keywords: Matrix (chemical analysis); Solid phase extraction

This study describes and validates a new method for extracting perfluoroalkyl polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from whole-body fish tissue, demonstrates that freeze-dry preservation of tissue conserves bioaccumulative PFAS, details demonstration on Lake Michigan fish. While filets are more commonly analyzed their significance to human health, whole useful determine ecological impacts, but published methods such as EPA 1633 do not produce reliable results this challenging matrix. Here we show lipid removal technology produces clean extracts without the need solid-phase extraction or evaporative concentration, which often lead loss some PFAS. achieves an accuracy 96 ± 9% detection 45 PFAS while also offering benefits simple procedure, reduced processing time, decreased waste generation compared multistep cleanup concentration methods. A test freeze-drying demonstrated compounds detected in Great Lakes were retained, volatile including sulfonamide precursors ethanols lost. To demonstrate field performance, entire was applied whole-fish composites Michigan. Results these samples reveal driven by collection location, distribution dictated species.