Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been discovered to be ubiquitous in the environment. These compounds have highly desirable properties that make their use in industry and manufacture essential. However, PFASs are also extremely persistent, bioaccumulate and potentially toxic to humans and wildlife. These compounds are currently the subject of regulation and much public and research attention. The measurement of these compounds at ng/L levels though is quite tricky and challenging. The need for standard methodologies to measure them in the environment is critical for establishing baselines and future regulatory decisions. When dealing with several different water matrices and with the continual advancement of analytical equipment, it can be a struggle for even experienced analysts to choose the best method of sampleclean-up and extraction to get reliable, and robust data. This study discusses the various approaches to measure PFAS including regulatory methods like EPA 537, standard consensus methods like ASTM 7979 and newer methods to quantify emerging PFAS. Traditionally, labor intensive and time-consuming extraction techniques like solid phase extraction (SPE) and liquid-liquid extraction have been used for concentration of samples to achieve required detection limits for PFAS in the ng/L range. These methods require large amounts of sample (100-1000 mL) and solvents for extraction. Recently, the development of automated online SPE systems have given rise to the possibility of achieving similar detection limits with the use of just a few mL of sample while significantly reducing cost, labor and time of analysis. On the analytical side, newer mass spectrometers have produced a large increase in sensitivity. This has resulted in large volume injection of the aqueous sample with no or minimal pretreatment to be suggested as a possibility for analysis of these contaminants. Factors like extraction protocols, method reporting limits and strategies to avoid background contamination will be discussed to obtain reliable, robust and accurate PFAS data.

Monitoring PFAS in the environment: From regulatory to emerging methods

2019 Spring National Meeting

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.