EconoTrace: Automated EPA Method 537.1

Automated EPA Method 537.1 is the industry-standard protocol for detecting Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in drinking water. These substances, including PFOS and PFOA, are synthetic chemicals known for their persistence in the environment and potential health risks. Commonly found in stain-resistant textiles, food packaging, firefighting foams, and industrial surfactants, PFAS have become a major focus of environmental testing and regulation.

Automated EPA Method 537.1 utilizes Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) with SDVB (styrene-divinylbenzene) cartridges to isolate PFAS compounds from water samples. The method includes strict quality control (QC) and acceptance criteria, ensuring reproducibility and accuracy across laboratories.

By using automated EPA Method 537.1, laboratories benefit from greater consistency and efficiency compared to manual extraction methods. Automation reduces human error, increases throughput, and meets the rigorous standards required for EPA compliance.

As PFAS contamination gains global attention, the demand for reliable testing continues to grow. Automated EPA Method 537.1 provides a validated solution for high-volume labs that need dependable, regulatory-compliant PFAS extraction from drinking water matrices.

Incorporating Automated EPA Method 537.1 into your workflow ensures that your lab meets analytical performance standards while saving time and reducing labor costs. This makes it the preferred method for modern environmental testing facilities.

For laboratories analyzing PFAS in drinking water using EPA Method 537.1, understanding proper sample preparation is essential—especially when handling complex environmental matrices. This method outlines the standardized procedures and quality control requirements needed for accurate and reproducible PFAS analysis in drinking water.

For complete technical details and step-by-step instructions, refer to the official EPA Method 537.1 documentation provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

                                                                      Read More . . . .

Read More . . .

,

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Method:

· Eight drinking water samples (500 mL) spiked with native PFAS standards and relevant internals

· Load sample bottles onto system and install cartridges

· Rinse bottles are automatically filled during procedure

· Use positive pressure for pumping solvents and mixes through the system and loading samples

· Condition cartridges with 15 mL 1% methanol followed by 18 mL deionized water

· Load 500 mL samples across the cartridges at 10-15 mL/min

· Rinse sample bottles automatically twice with 7.5 mL DI water and load across cartridges

· Dry cartridges under nitrogen for 5 min

· Rinse sample bottles twice with 4 mL methanol and elute cartridges and collect

· Final extract volume collected is 8 mL

FMS SuperVap®

■ Pre-heat temp: 60-65 ºC

■ Pre-heat time: 20 minutes

■ Heat in Time mode at 60-65 ºC under nitrogen (7-10 psi)

■ Reduce to dryness

Instrumentation:

• FMS EconoTrace PFC™ System The system is modular in nature and can be
extended to a total of 4 modules for a total of 8 samples processed in parallel.