PFAS TESTING
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THERE ARE MANY TEST METHODS AVAILABLE FOR ANALYZING PFAS. WHICH ONE IS “BEST” DEPENDS ON YOUR PROJECT PARAMETERS AND GOALS.
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AOF/EPA 1621
MATRICES: AQUEOUS
AOF/EPA 1621 measures adsorbable organic fluorine in non-potable water. Similar to other organofluorine-based methods, EPA 1621 utilizes combustion ion chromatography (CIC) instrumentation. The EPA intends EPA 1621 to be utilized as a screening tool to assess organic fluorine concentrations in non-potable water, which often contains many PFAS compounds not detectable by targeted methods such as EPA 1633. The EPA Office of Water describes EPA 1621 as a “Screening Method for the Determination of Adsorbable Organic Fluorine (AOF) in Aqueous Matrices by Combustion Ion Chromatography (CIC).” Its reporting limit is in the single-digit parts-per-billion range. Pace® was chosen to perform the single-lab validation for EPA 1621.
ASTM D8421/ASTM D8535/EPA 8327
MATRICES: GROUND & SURFACE WATERS, WASTEWATER, LANDFILL LEACHATE, BIOSOLIDS, SOIL & SEDIMENT
ASTM D8421 and D8535 are PFAS methods developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) to provide a definitive method for PFAS analyses in aqueous and solid matrices, respectively. ASTM D8421/D8535 utilizes Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS/MS), with optional uses of Isotope Dilution (ID) to minimize the impacts of sample matrix interference on quantification and thus improve data quality. Technically similar to EPA 8327, Pace® can cite either EPA 8327 or ASTM D8421/D8535.
ASTM D8421/D8535 and EPA 8327 offer several advantages over other methods. Turnaround time (TAT) is faster than other published methods that are more procedurally challenging. With optimized procedural requirements, ASTM D8421/D8535/EPA 8327 can also be delivered at a lower price point than other PFAS methods. Finally, ASTM D8421/EPA 8327 only requires 15 mL of water volume to be collected. This saves significant field collection time and shipping costs compared to other methods, such as EPA 1633, which require higher sample volumes. Along with EPA 1633, the DOD utilizes ASTM methods to expedite base-wide remedial investigations across the country.
Consumer and Industrial Products
MATRICES: TEXTILES, FOOD CONTACT MATERIALS, AND MANY OTHER CONSUMER AND INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS
PFAS is often an ingredient in consumer products and other materials used for packaging and in many commercial and industrial applications. It is also a concern in the container industry and chemical formulation. Pace® utilizes EPA Method 1633 with cryomilling to analyze for common PFAS compounds in consumer and industrial products. We also offer Total Fluorine by CIC for these products.
EPA 1633
MATRICES: WASTEWATER, SURFACE WATER, GROUNDWATER, SOILS, BIOSOLIDS, BIOLOGICAL TISSUES, LANDFILL LEACHATE, AND SEDIMENT
EPA 1633 can quantitate PFAS compounds across a wide range of solid and aqueous matrices. This method will replace all laboratory-specific SOPs over time and play a vital role in the EPA’s efforts to study, monitor, and regulate PFAS in nearly all matrices and regulatory programs except drinking water. In addition to other methods, including ASTM D8421 and ASTM D8535, the DOD utilizes EPA 1633 for remedial investigations at military sites across the country.
Pace® participated in the multi-lab validation of this method. This method will be adopted into SW-846 for the RCRA program and promulgated under 40 CFR Part 136. Pace® labs are also DOD-certified for EPA 1633.
EPA 537.1
MATRIX: DRINKING WATER
An EPA validated method, EPA 537.1 was developed to replace EPA 537 and is commonly used for drinking water compliance. In addition to analyzing for the 14 compounds covered by the original EPA 537, EPA 537.1 also analyzes for four replacement PFAS: 11Cl-PF3OUdS 9Cl-PF3ONS, ADONA, and HFPO-DA (also known as Gen X).
EPA 533
MATRIX: DRINKING WATER
EPA 533 expanded the number of PFAS compounds that can be analyzed in drinking water samples. Unlike the 537 series, this method utilizes isotope dilution, providing additional quality control for accuracy of reporting, especially at ppt (parts per trillion) levels. EPA 533 does not replace EPA 537.1, but together, the tests can be used to analyze for 29 PFAS compounds. EPA 533 is also commonly used for drinking water compliance, and both EPA 533 and EPA 537.1 are required for UCMR 5 compliance.
PACE® IS AN APPROVED UCMR 5 TESTING LABORATORY. YOU CAN LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAM AND OUR SERVICES ON OUR UCMR 5 PROGRAM PAGE.
PFAS by Isotope Dilution
MATRICES: GROUND & SURFACE WATERS, WASTEWATER, LANDFILL LEACHATE, WASTEWATER SLUDGE & BIOSOLIDS, SOIL & OTHER SOLIDS, BIOTA, AFFF
Like many commercial labs, Pace® developed and validated an isotope dilution method based on EPA 537 to apply for non-drinking water matrices such as non-potable water, solids, biota, and biosolids. This method is widely applicable to both DOD and commercial/industrial applications. Furthermore, Pace® has been audited and certified to the accreditation standards of DOD, TNI NELAC, and state accreditation bodies for this method.
TOP Assay
MATRICES: AQUEOUS AND SOLIDS
PFAS precursors, both known and unknown, are a class of PFAS compounds that can degrade to terminal PFAS compounds (i.e., perfluoroalkyl substances) under the right environmental circumstances. TOP Assay oxidizes PFAS precursors, most of which are compounds not currently measured by targeted techniques, converting them into their terminal PFAS compounds that can then be measured. The increase in PFAS measured after the TOP Assay oxidation relative to pre-oxidation levels is a gross estimate of the total concentration of PFAS precursors present in a sample. PFAS analysis by TOP Assay is particularly useful in forensic studies designed to identify the source of elevated PFAS levels in all matrices.
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.
