Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of nearly 15,000 synthetic compounds characterized by a fluorinated alkyl chain. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been pursuing the reduction of PFAS emissions since 2004. As legacy PFAS were phased out, a new generation of compounds known as “emerging PFAS” were introduced as a replacement. Engineered to have shorter half-lives and faster bioelimination, emerging PFAS have nonetheless raised concerns about toxicity and environmental impact. Several methods exist for monitoring PFAS in water and soil, generally variations on official methods developed by EPA and ASTM International. No official methods exist for air monitoring yet, but adaptations of EPA air collection methods and European method CEN/TS 13649 have been proposed.

All analytical techniques are affected by the ubiquitous presence of PFAS in the environment and in industrial products. Indeed, instrument components, apparatuses, lab consumables, and even skin products worn by the analyst can be potential sources of interfering PFAS. In addition to current approaches to developing highly robust and sensitive methods, this presentation will discuss best practices to eliminate or minimize the impact of these sources of interference.

PFAS is a hot topic in the field of water analysis, with many of the testing labs gearing up to regulated 47+ compounds.
This analysis can be tricky as there are many potential sources of contamination and losses.

We host a webcast dedicated to the basics of gas chromatography.
GC column specialists with scientific background and careers at multiple manufacturers will take the stage.