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There are generally two analytical methods for PFAS testing. Each has its advantages.
As described here, there are thousands of individual PFAS substances with unique chemical identities (the EPA structure list currently contains 14,735). Obviously, no commercially available test can measure each of these individually. There are two choices, analyze for the most concerning, specific substances individually, or analyses by class characteristics.
Which test is right for you depends on your specific material and what purpose you have for the test result.
Targeted PFAS
Individual PFAS substances by LC/MS/MS (liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy/ mass spectroscopy)
Synopsis
PFAS substances from a large sample, typically water, are captured on a column in a concentrated form. They are redissolved and measured by first isolating the individual PFAS substances passing through a column, and then detecting and quantifying each using a sophisticated process of ionization and molecular fragmentation.
Advantages
- Individual substance identification and quantitation
Uses
- Contaminant delineation
- Regulatory Compliance
- Site risk assessment
Total PFAS
Total PFAS by CIC (combustion ion chromatography)
Synopsis
This test combusts a sample in oxygen at high temperatures. Fluorine from all PFAS substances is captured in a solution and then quantified, after separation from other ions passing through a column, by a conductivity detector. Solid and liquid samples can be tested, either directly or by concentration similar to LC/MS/MS. The total amount of PFAS is inferred from the fluorine content.
Advantages
- All PFAS substance are quantified.
Uses
- PFAS-free product assurance
- Waste-water discharge
- Contaminant delineation
- Remediation effectiveness
- Site risk assessment
Please contact us to discuss your specific need.