PFAS Analysis

All types of samples can be tested for the presence of PFAS compounds. However, specific types of samples or media are supported by EPA Standard Analytical Methods and yield data ready for regulatory or guidance support. Sample types currently supported by EPA Standard Analytical Methods include:

• Drinking Water (Also known as potable water)
• Non-Potable Water
• Environmental Media such as soil, sediment, or biosolids
• Source Emissions

Get PFAS sampling info straight from our experts with our PFAS Sampling, Characterization and Analysis white paper.

Download White Paper

An accredited PFAS laboratory will provide high-quality and defensible data from PFAS samples. For the best results, choose a lab that is:

• Certified for EPA PFAS methods
• Able to handle multiple analytes
• Knowledgeable in detection limits and sampling guidelines.

PFAS lab qualifications that top facilities like our PFAS Laboratory hold include:

• Department of Defense Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (DoD ELAP) certification
• National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP) certification
• Testing and calibration certifications like ISO/IEC 17025
• Accreditations that are required by specific states

The Department of Defense Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (DoD ELAP) is an accreditation intended to certify commercial laboratories for DoD environmental restoration projects.

The National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP) is a national accreditation created by the NELAC Institute (TNI). The purpose of this accreditation is to catalyze the gathering of high-quality, consistent environmental data.

It's important for PFAS labs to be accredited so test results and data are high-quality and defensible.

Commonly used EPA methods for PFAS-related analytical chemistry include:

• Method 537
• Method 537.1
• Method 533
• Method 8327
• Draft Method 1633
• Other Test Method 45 (OTM-45)
• SW-846 Test Method 0010 (Modified Method 5)
• Modified Method TO-15

A standard EPA method is a testing method that is permitted to support regulatory or guidance activities. Standard methods have been through laboratory validation while following guidance efforts or rulemaking initiatives.

EPA Method 537 (which has been updated to Method 537.1) is an EPA standard method to determine the presence of 14 PFAS chemicals in drinking water.

EPA Method 537.1 is an EPA standard method used to determine 18 PFAS (including PFOA, PFOS, and HFPO-DA) in drinking water.

EPA Method 533 is an EPA standard method that uses isotope dilution to target 25 different "short-chain" PFAS, which include:

• Perfluorinated acids
• Poly/perfluorinated ether carboxylic acids
• Sulfonates
• Fluorotelomers

EPA Method 8327 is an EPA standard method that uses direct-injection sampling to test for 24 analytes in non-drinking water aqueous samples, which include:

• Groundwater
• Surface water
• Wastewater

The optimized total oxidizable precursor (TOP) assay is a method used to find upcoming PFAS precursors that could become more persistent compounds. This method is being considered for validation by the EPA but is commercially available from our Accredited PFAS Laboratory.

The source of PFAS contamination can be found using source attribution tools like our PFAS Signature® Advanced Analytics Tool.

PFAS source attribution (or tracking) refers to the practice of identifying sources of contamination based on targeted statistical analysis and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS).

PFAS source tracking is made possible through tools like our commercially available PFAS Signature®.

PFAS sources previously couldn't be identified in areas of co-mingled sources, but this is no longer the case. PFAS Signature® taps into our mass spectral PFAS source library to be the first solution for source identification in co-mingled areas.

PFAS source types can be determined, including the differentiation of mil-spec firefighting foams (AFFF) from non-AFFF sources.

PFAS Signature® is our innovative tool that guides client decisions through identifying and understanding PFAS sources.

PFAS fate refers to the possibility of PFAS contaminants changing, whether the change is chemical, physical, or biological in nature.

PFAS transport refers to the movement of PFAS contaminants throughout the environment.

A PFAS plume is a portion of groundwater that has been affected by PFAS contamination above laboratory reporting limits.

PFAS plumes are found in groundwater across the United States, with areas of highest concentration including the East and Midwest regions.

PFAS fate and transport are not the same, although they often go hand-in-hand. PFAS fate refers to change (or potential for change) in contaminants, while transport refers to the movement of contaminants.

PFAS fate and transport are intended to track and predict the behavior of PFAS chemical and to inform:

• Risk evaluation
• Design of remediation systems
• Verification of source

Thanks to our PFAS Predict® tool, PFAS fate and transport can now be simulated in groundwater based on specific inputs for per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals.

Learn how PFAS Predict® works in this blog article: "Modeling the Movement of PFAS Plumes in Groundwater".

PFAS Predict® Groundwater Fate and Transport Modeling uses predictive analysis to model PFAS fate and transport, with the end goal of informing client decisions and actions.

PFAS Predict® is compatible with the industry standard MODFLOW groundwater flow and conceptual site models.