Matrices Impacted by PFAS
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PFAS contamination can impact a wide range of matrices. Accurate assessment requires the right methods and expertise.
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AFFF
Traditional AFFF, the primary fire-fighting foam used to fight chemical fires for decades, contains PFAS. While newer FFF (fluorine-free foams) have been developed, AFFF has a long shelf-life and ingredients are not always listed clearly. Pace® can test impacted media (soil, wastewater, etc.) and legacy AFFF for PFAS and PFAS precursors.
AIR & EMISSIONS
Airborne PFAS are starting to gain more attention from the EPA and state-level agencies. The EPA has published a test method (OTM 45) that can be used to conduct air tests for PFAS contamination. Pace® has adapted OTM 45 with specific protocols to test stack emissions for industrial clients.
BEDROCK
Assessing PFAS contamination in bedrock presents unique challenges. Through a collaborative partnership, Pace® scientists helped developed reliable sample prep and analytical methods for assessing contaminant levels, transport pathways, and matrix diffusion of PFAS within the rock environment.
BIOTA – PLANT & ANIMAL TISSUE
PFAS accumulate in plant and animal tissues just as they do in humans. When people consume foods containing PFAS, it can elevate PFAS levels in their bloodstream. PFAS has been found in agricultural products such as milk and eggs as well as wild caught fish and deer. While the EPA continues to research the problem, Pace® is already working with clients to assess PFAS contamination in plant and animal tissues at a local level.
COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS
PFAS is often an ingredient in plastics used for packaging, plastics and other commercial and industrial applications such as medical and manufacturing equipment. Analyzing PFAS in these samples can be challenging, but Pace® has developed proven SOPs to support our clients’ regulatory, product management, and environmental stewardship efforts.
DRINKING WATER
The U.S. EPA provides two validated test methods for drinking water compliance: Method 537.1 and Method 533. Together, these methods can test for all 29 PFAS compounds required under UCMR 5. These methods are also required by the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWR) for PFAS announced on April 10, 2024.
GET THE LATEST ON UCMR 5
Sampling required under the U.S. EPA’s Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 5) began in January of 2023, and Pace® has been busy helping customers create sampling strategies and allocate budgets. To learn more about UCMR 5, visit our UCMR 5 page and subscribe to receive updates.
GROUND & SURFACE WATER
Many municipalities get their drinking water from underground aquifers or from surface waters, such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. When these waters become contaminated with PFAS through stormwater runoff or direct wastewater discharge, PFAS can contaminate public and private drinking water systems. Pace® offers several testing services that can analyze PFAS in non-potable waters to support remediation and control efforts by local municipalities and industry.
LANDFILL LEACHATE
When a liquid (rain, condensation, liquid waste) passes through solid waste, the liquid byproduct is called “leachate.” If liquid passes through and from waste that contains PFAS, it’s likely that the leachate will too. Industrial landfill is a particular problem because older landfill sites often do not have leachate collection systems. But municipal landfill can create issues too when contaminated leachate is sent to the local wastewater treatment plant.
SOIL & OTHER SOLIDS
Soil and sediment can become contaminated with PFAS through a variety of mediums, such as landfill leachate, wastewater discharge, biosolids, and stormwater runoff. Pace® offers methods for testing soil and sediment for targeted PFAS, non-targeted PFAS, and total organic fluorine. We can also test unique solids, such as incinerator ash for products of incomplete combustion (PICs) that can spread PFAS to surrounding neighborhoods.
WASTEWATER
Traditional wastewater treatment does not remove PFAS, and it can convert PFAS precursors into terminal PFAS. The EPA has announced plans to introduce new rulings to research and control PFAS through the Effluent Limitations Guidelines (ELG) program and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Systems (NPDES) permitting. Per the U.S EPA’s guidance, the use of EPA 1633 is strongly encouraged with EPA 1621 recommended as a supplemental method for analyzing total PFAS concentration. Several states have restricted the use of biosolids as soil amendments.
WASTEWATER SLUDGE & BIOSOLIDS
According to the EPA, roughly 60% of wastewater sludge is land-applied to agriculture. Since traditional wastewater treatment processes do not remove PFAS, these biosolids can introduce PFAS into the ecosystem. Some states have begun to restrict the practice of using biosolids as fertilizer, while the EPA expects to complete its risk assessment in late 2024.
REASONS TO CHOOSE PACE®
EXPERIENCED
Pace® has been an industry leader in persistent organic pollutant testing for over three decades.
CERTIFIED
We’re certified/accredited by NELAC, ISO, DOD, DOE, and in every state with a PFAS lab certification program.
RELIABLE
For emergencies, our Rapid Response Team can provide defensible results in as little as 24 hours.
COMMITTED
We are committed to helping our customers advance their important work through building strong relationships, delivering upon expectations, and providing exceptional customer service.
ADVANCED
We can test for PFAS in both solid and aqueous matrices, including potable and non-potable waters, soils, and biota.
INNOVATIVE
We’re on the leading edge of science, working with EPA, DOD, ASTM, and others to develop new methods for analyzing PFAS.
