As worldwide concern grows over the potential health effects of perfluorinated alkyl substances, or PFAS, so too does the need for a simple, reliable detection method for these compounds in the environment. As part of the Sources, Transport, Exposure, and Effects of PFAS (STEEP) Superfund Center, a novel tube passive sampler was proposed to detect PFAS in surface waters. As laboratory validation continues at a steady pace, a field validation experiment was performed in the surface waters of the Quashnet River located in Falmouth, Cape Cod. Replicate samplers were deployed alongside a USGS gage station for 6 months, including fall, winter, and summer months with additional water grab samples collected for validation. Results of the target analysis indicate stable compound uptake in nanograms across both winter and summer months at this AFFF impacted site. Using a method for the analysis of total extractable organic fluorine (EOF) indicates passive samplers can be used to measure the unresolved fraction of PFAS, in addition to the target analysis of known legacy and replacement compounds in the field. These results will be re-confirmed with subsequent lab trials to validate the use of this novel passive sampler in support of remediation efforts and long term monitoring.

Field validation of a novel passive sampler for monitoring PFAS remediation

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

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