Analysis of PFAS in Drinking Water
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published and promulgated methods 533 and 537.1 as the approved analytical methods for PFAS in drinking water. in April 2024, the EPA published national primary drinking water regulation for PFAS. This regulation sets the maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for PFOA and PFOS at 4 ng/L in drinking water.
Methods 533 and 537.1 require a preliminary solid phase extraction (SPE) and concentration step prior to analysis. In the United States, methods for drinking water must be followed exactly. See Products tab for information on instrumentation you need to run PFAS in your drinking water samples.
Shimadzu offers ready to use method packages for PFAS testing in Drinking Water samples in accordance with EPA Methods 533 and 537.1.
Handbooks of Analysis Procedures for EPA Methods 533 and 537.1
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These handbooks cover the initial demonstration of capability (IDC) and sample analysis for EPA methods 533 and 537.1.
The validity of the analysis performed by each laboratory for these methods needs to be confirmed by Quality Control (QC). These handbooks shows the general analytical procedure for fulfilling QC requirements. Note that these procedures could be modified depending on the situation in the lab and analysts.
Get Your Lab Ready: How-to Guides for PFAS Analysis in Drinking Water
How-to Guide for EPA Method 533
How-to Guide for EPA Method 537.1-
View our How-to guides for EPA 533 and EPA 537.1 to learn:
- How to set up your Lab for PFAS analysis
- What you need to prepare before running your first PFAS samples
- How to prepare your samples for PFAS analysis
- How to analyze your PFAS samples in LC-MS/MS
Featured Applications
EPA 533 for PFAS analysis with the Shimadzu’s LCMS-8050: Demonstration of instrument and method performance
The enhanced analytical workflow (including sample preparation) from this work provides greater efficiency, achieving over 50% faster run times and reduced injection volumes down to 2 µL, for supporting PFAS regulation in drinking water. This leads to quicker analyses, less solvent use, and improved lab productivity. Learn more about the performance of the Shimadzu LCMS-8050 as part of a complete workflow for analyzing the target PFAS specified in EPA method 533.
EPA 537.1 for PFAS analysis with the Shimadzu LCMS-8050: Demonstration of instrument and method performance
Here we provide a framework for laboratories to evaluate the performance of each the individual steps performed in the laboratory for the analysis of PFAS by EPA method 537.1, including extraction and instrumental analysis. Discover how to implement an enhanced workflow that consistently achieves up to four times better detection limits for all targeted classes PFAS included in EPA method 537.1, even with a small injection volume of 2 µL using the Shimadzu’s LCMS-8050.
Related Products
LC/MS/MS Method Package for PFAS in Drinking Water
This method package includes ready-to-use analytical conditions for EPA Methods 533 and 537.1, examples of analytical procedures for the methods, and various other information, such as precautions for sample preparation and analysis. Using this product, 52 PFAS compounds in drinking water can be analyzed.