PFAS Testing at i2 Analytical

What is PFAS?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, collectively known as PFAS, are a large group of man-made organofluorine chemicals that have been widely used in industry and manufacturing since the 1940s, including applications such as protective treatments, polymer manufacturing, and surfactants including aqueous film fire-fighting foams (AFFFs) and use as mist suppressants in chrome plating. They are found at many manufacturing and waste/wastewater treatment facilities as well as in the wider environment.

All PFAS have at least one fully fluorinated methyl (–CF3) or methylene (–CF2–) group, with the carbon-fluorine bonds (C–F) imparting high thermal stability and resistance to degradation, making them useful in a wide variety of consumer products such as non-stick cookware and stain-repellent clothing.

However, they are persistent and bio-accumulative, meaning they don’t break down in the environment, and can easily migrate to the air, water, soil, and food.

They are often known as ‘forever chemicals’ and are attracting widespread interest due to their harmful effects on human health.

These effects are a cause for concern and have resulted in regulatory guidance for waters and soil, as well as accelerated monitoring and identification.
At i2 Analytical, our highly experienced analysts use liquid chromatography, coupled with tandem mass spectrometry, for determining selected PFAS in a variety of matrices, including soils and waters.

PFAS in Soils:
In May 2024, CL:AIRE issued interim Category 4 Screening Levels (C4SLs) for four PFAS compounds: PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS, and PFOS.

i2 are pleased to confirm that these compounds are included in our standard PFAS testing Soil suite with a reportable limit of detection (LOD) of 0.1 µg/kg for each compound.

PFAS in Waters:
In line with our commitment to continuous method improvement, we have been busy developing our current standard PFAS in Waters suite of 18 compounds to provide a new extended PFAS in Waters suite of 51 compounds, to include both the Drinking Water Inspectorate 47 (DWI47) and European Union (EU) Drinking Water Directive 20 PFAS compounds at EQS limits of detection (0.65 ng/L) for PFOS and PFOA.

Watch this space for further information!