The ubiquitous presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water, sediment, and air have highlighted the need for more effective and robust monitoring tools for these unique chemicals. The large sample volumes required for analysis have limited understanding of spatiotemporal variations in PFAS concentrations in the environment and during remediation. To overcome this limitation, we developed new passive samplers comprised of anion-exchange membranes. The objective of this work was to apply anion-exchange membranes as passive samplers for 12 chemically-diverse PFAS, including perfluoroalkyl carboxylates, perfluoroalkyl sulfonates, fluorotelomer sulfonates, and perfluorooctane sulfonamides. Three different anion-exchange membranes were tested: AMI-7001 (Membranes International Inc.); FAA-3-PK-130 (Fumatech); and, FAP-450 (Fumatech). Batch sorption tests were conducted with environmentally-relevant PFAS concentrations in 10 mM NaCl and real groundwater solutions to determine the time required to achieve equilibrium. In 10 mM NaCl, equilibrium was achieved within 48 h, highlighting the relative advantages of anion-exchange membranes over both anion-exchange resins and traditional polymeric passive samplers. Aqueous- and membrane-phase PFAS concentrations were measured at equilibrium, and the selectivity coefficients for PFAS were calculated with respect to background electrolytes, such as chloride. The batch sorption tests indicated that selectivity coefficients for PFAS over chloride varied by class and chain-length (<i>e.g.</i>, 14.8±1.8 for PFBA, 287±32 for PFBS, 52.5±1.0 for PFHxA, and 1010±80 for PFHxS), but the relatively tight range of selectivity coefficients allowed simultaneous measurement of both short- and long-chain PFAS. Following extraction of PFAS from the anion-exchange membranes using methanol and inorganic or organic bases, the passive samplers were redeployed to determine reusability. Overall, the results highlight the potential use of anion-exchange membranes as passive samplers for chemically-diverse PFAS.

Anion-exchange membranes for passive sampling of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

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