Formatted Title
Sensitive and Portable Field-Ready Detection of PFAS Compounds Through a Sensor Modality
Background/Objectives
The detection of per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) is of utmost importance due to their recalcitrant nature and environmental toxicity. With the current prolonged turnaround times and elevated costs for traditional fixed-facility, mass spectrometry-based analyses, there is a need for faster and on-site testing methods. The objective of this technology is not to replace compliance methodology, but to offer a timely and accurate screening tool that will allow rapid, on-site characterization of PFAS concentrations. Additional utility is found in the screening of poorly characterized samples in an analytical laboratory, or as a tool for accurate feedback to changes in a research and development facility.
Approach/Activities
By combining synthetic biology techniques with the sensitive detection of electrochemical methods, a biosensor capable of rapidly detecting PFAS was developed and characterized at the laboratory scale in both model solutions and with real-world industrial wastewater. A variety of bias-testing was also accomplished to understand matrix effects of varying water qualities. This sensor was then translated onto the previously-proven, FREDsense portable sensing platform to enable the on-site detection of PFAS.
Results/Lessons Learned
Detection of PFAS species was demonstrated in a variety of matrices with the electrochemical biosensor. The sensor was shown to respond to both PFOA and PFOS in synthetic samples, as well as to the generalized PFAS present in a complex industrial wastewater sample. Initial efforts and results have been demonstrated in the ppb-range for PFAS. Efforts to improve the limit of detection continue and the latest data will be shared at the time of the presentation. Used as a screening tool to direct the application of traditional mass spectrometry techniques, the application of this field-ready biosensor could allow for significantly more PFAS monitoring and enhanced remediation efforts with quicker turn-around times and lower costs than conventional analytical methodologies.