Analysis of PFAS and AOF in Wastewater

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of persistent and harmful chemicals that can be found in a variety of environmental samples, including drinking water, wastewater, biosolids, soils, air, and animal tissue. With concerns rising quickly about the health risks associated with PFAS exposure, along with the ongoing development and implementation of regulations across the world, it is important to ensure proper monitoring of these chemicals in the environment.

PFAS compounds are analyzed by chromatographic methods that separate them into individual components and measure them using mass spectrometry. Most commonly, and for the analytes proposed for CWA regulation, these are Tandem Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry or LC-MS/MS. Other approaches, such as single quadrupole LCMS, High Resolution LCMS, or GCMS may be used depending on the objectives of the analysis. These other approaches may be used for research, but not compliance.

Adsorbable Organic Fluorine (AOF) is a screening method designed to detect additional PFAS compounds not captured by chromatographic methods. Fluorinated pesticides and pharmaceuticals may also be detected.