Poly/perfluorinated Alkyl Substance (PFAS): Analysis, and Data Quality

Poly- and per-fluorinated alkylated substances (PFASs, also known as PFCs) are identified as contaminants/chemicals of an emerging concern by the US EPA, and the State of California. The number of PFAS substances that have been identified in ground and drinking has grown considerably and is now considered to include at least 3000 different analogs and telomers. Current published methods account for only a small subset of potential PFAS analytes at any particular site. The EPA published method 537 for drinking water matrix, yet it has been modified by most laboratories and extended to use in site investigations and remediation for soils, sediments, and groundwater. The presenter will provide an overview of PFAS chemistry; summarize published data from sites in the US undergoing investigation and/or remediation; and discuss the analytical methods for PFASs with focus on the use of LC/MS-MS. Method details and how they can impact site investigation data quality and comparability will be described along with the importance of data verification and validation.