Waters Streamlines and Expedites PFAS Testing with Innovative Oasis Dual-Phase Cartridges

Rhea-AI Summary

Waters Corporation (WAT) introduces new Oasis WAX/GCB and GCB/WAX Cartridges to simplify PFAS analysis, reducing sample prep time by 20% and processing time by 30 minutes per batch. The cartridges are QC-tested for low residual PFAS, enhancing accuracy and efficiency in testing. These products aim to meet EPA Method 1633 requirements for various sample types.

Positive

• Introduction of new Oasis WAX/GCB and GCB/WAX Cartridges by Waters Corporation for PFAS analysis.
• Reduction of sample preparation time by 20% and processing time by 30 minutes per batch.
• QC-testing of cartridges for low residual PFAS to ensure accuracy in test results.
• Streamlining of sample preparation process for non-potable water, soil, biosolids, and tissue samples.
• Compliance with EPA Method 1633 requirements for aqueous and solid samples.
• Availability of cartridges in packs of 30 and 300 worldwide.

Negative

• None.

Insights

Environmental Analyst

The introduction of Waters Corporation's Oasis WAX/GCB and GCB/WAX Cartridges marks a significant advancement in environmental testing technology. These cartridges are designed to streamline the process of PFAS analysis in compliance with EPA Method 1633, which is a critical consideration for industries facing stringent regulatory requirements. The reduction in sample preparation and processing time by 20% and 30 minutes respectively per batch not only enhances laboratory efficiency but also has the potential to increase the volume of samples that can be analyzed within a given timeframe.

From an environmental perspective, the ability to conduct more frequent and efficient testing is vital. With the growing concern over PFAS contamination and its associated health risks, the need for robust and rapid testing methods is paramount. The fact that these cartridges are QC-tested by an accredited laboratory for low residual PFAS also underscores the commitment to accuracy and reliability in testing, which is crucial for compliance with emerging regulations and for minimizing the risk of legal liabilities stemming from PFAS contamination.

Market Research Analyst

The launch of these new cartridges by Waters Corporation can be seen as a strategic move to capture a larger share of the environmental testing market, particularly at a time when the demand for PFAS testing is surging. With over $11 billion in legal settlements related to PFAS chemicals in 2023 alone, the financial implications for companies in need of reliable testing solutions are substantial. As such, these cartridges could be seen as a cost-effective solution that addresses both the operational and financial challenges faced by laboratories.

Additionally, with the EPA and European regulators moving towards stricter PFAS regulations, the market for PFAS testing solutions is expected to grow. Waters Corporation's ability to offer a product that simplifies the testing process while ensuring compliance positions it favorably in the market. The global availability of these cartridges further indicates Waters Corporation's intent to tap into the international demand for efficient and reliable PFAS testing solutions.

Compliance Officer

The significance of Waters Corporation's new cartridges extends beyond operational efficiency and enters the realm of regulatory compliance. Laboratories and industries must adhere to EPA Method 1633 for PFAS analysis and the cartridges are designed to meet these stringent requirements. The integration of the two clean-up steps into one cartridge not only simplifies the workflow but also minimizes the risk of non-compliance due to human error or contamination.

As regulations tighten and the potential for hefty fines and legal actions increases, the ability to ensure accurate and compliant testing is a critical factor for businesses. These cartridges offer a proactive solution for organizations to stay ahead of regulatory changes and avoid the financial and reputational damage associated with non-compliance. The fact that these cartridges are QC-tested for low residual PFAS by an accredited laboratory adds an additional layer of assurance for companies seeking to maintain rigorous compliance standards.

News Summary:

• Waters Oasis™ Dual-phase PFAS Analysis Cartridges simplify sample preparation for EPA 1633 testing for analysis of PFAS concentrations in non-potable water, soils, biosolids, and tissue.
• Reduces sample preparation time by 20% and sample processing time by approximately 30 minutes per batch to boost sample throughput and help busy laboratories save time and money.
• Cartridge lots are QC-tested by an accredited laboratory for low residual PFAS to help reduce or eliminate time spent troubleshooting PFAS contamination.

MILFORD, Mass., March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Waters Corporation (NYSE:WAT) announces new Oasis WAX/GCB and GCB/WAX for PFAS Analysis Cartridges with new design features that significantly streamline and expedite sample preparation and analysis of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). To help ensure accuracy and further confidence in test results, Oasis WAX/GCB and GCB/WAX Cartridges are QC-tested by an accredited laboratory for low residual PFAS, to reduce or eliminate any time spent troubleshooting potential assay contamination.

Oasis WAX/GCB & GCB/WAX Cartridges are the latest products within Waters extensive portfolio of PFAS testing solutions.

"With the official release of EPA 1633, we know our customers trust and rely on us to provide high-quality products that reduce their risk. Waters new Oasis WAX/GCB and GCB/WAX Cartridges dramatically simplify and expedite the process of preparing complex samples, such as non-potable water, soil, biosolids, and tissue," said Erin Chambers, Vice President, Consumables and Lab Automation, Waters Corporation. "These dual-phase cartridges replace a laborious and dirty two-step process to significantly reduce sample prep and processing time while exceeding rigorous acceptance criteria." 

The cartridges combine the two clean-up steps required under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Method 1633 for PFAS analysis – a Weak Anion-Exchange (WAX) cartridge and dispersive solid phase extraction (dSPE) graphitized carbon black (GCB). The cartridges are faster and easier to use than the traditional method of using WAX and loose GCB, reducing the preparation process by approximately 30 minutes per sample batch. This allows customers to eliminate additional manual steps in their workflow, including weighing out loose GCB, shaking, centrifugation, and filtration.

"The new cartridges give us the benefits of time savings and laboratory cleanliness by eliminating the loose carbon step, and are high-quality and dependable sample preparation products," says Amanda Cronin, PFAS Laboratory Supervisor at Katahdin Analytical Services, beta tester for the Waters Oasis WAX/GCB and GCB/WAX Cartridges. "The time savings is key for us. Time is money, and by combining steps into one cartridge, we choose the Waters cartridges for efficiency."

Oasis WAX/GCB and GCB/WAX Cartridges are the latest products within a comprehensive portfolio of PFAS Testing Solutions offered by Waters to support the surging demand for PFAS environmental testing. In 2023 alone, PFAS chemicals led to over $11 billion in legal settlements.ⁱ This year, major regulations governing PFAS concentrations are expected, with the EPA finalizing key rules under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and Safe Drinking Water Act. European regulators are also considering PFAS regulations, with the closing of the comment period on the European Chemical Agency's PFAS Restriction Proposal in September 2023. In an environment of increased scrutiny, the ability to accurately test for PFAS is becoming a critical compliance need for a broad spectrum of industries.

Waters Oasis WAX/GCB and GCB/WAX Cartridges are designed to meet all EPA Method 1633 requirements for aqueous and solid samples and are available in packs of 30 and 300 cartridges. The product is now orderable worldwide.

Additional Resources 

• Learn more at Oasis WAX for PFAS Analysis Cartridges
• Learn more from our Application Notes:
  • EPA 1633 Application Note: Analyzing PFAS in Water Samples
  • EPA 1633 Application Note: Analyzing PFAS in Soil and Tissue Samples
• Follow and connect with Waters via LinkedIn, X, and Facebook

About Waters Corporation (www.waters.com)

Waters Corporation (NYSE:WAT), a global leader in analytical instruments and software, has pioneered chromatography, mass spectrometry, and thermal analysis innovations serving the life, materials, food, and environmental sciences for more than 65 years. With approximately 8,000 employees worldwide, Waters operates directly in 35 countries, including 15 manufacturing facilities, and with products available in more than 100 countries.

Waters and Oasis are trademarks of Waters Technologies Corporation.

Contact:

Janice Foley
Senior Public Relations Manager, Corporate Communications
Waters Corporation
janice_foley@waters.com
+1.617.823.5555

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SOURCE Waters Corporation

FAQ

What are the new products introduced by Waters Corporation for PFAS analysis?

Waters Corporation introduced new Oasis WAX/GCB and GCB/WAX Cartridges.

How much is the sample preparation time reduced by using the new cartridges?

The sample preparation time is reduced by 20%.

What is the processing time reduction per batch achieved with the new cartridges?

The processing time is reduced by approximately 30 minutes per batch.

What type of testing are the cartridges QC-tested for?

The cartridges are QC-tested for low residual PFAS.

Which EPA method requirements do the cartridges aim to meet?

The cartridges aim to meet EPA Method 1633 requirements.

In what pack sizes are the cartridges available?

The cartridges are available in packs of 30 and 300 worldwide.