PFAS in Drinking Water: Why Reliable Monitoring Matters
PFAS in Drinking Water: Why Reliable Monitoring Matters
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic fluorinated compounds used in industrial processes and consumer products. Their strong carbon–fluorine bonds make many PFAS highly resistant to degradation, which is why they are often called “forever chemicals”.
How do PFAS enter the environment?
PFAS may be released during manufacturing, product use and waste disposal. Potential sources include industrial wastewater, treated textiles, non-stick coatings and certain food packaging. Once released, some PFAS can move through soil and reach groundwater or surface water. Their behaviour depends on their chemical structure, with differences in mobility, persistence and potential accumulation.
Why is PFAS exposure a concern?
PFAS do not all have the same environmental or toxicological properties. However, studies have associated exposure to certain well-researched PFAS, particularly PFOA and PFOS, with effects on the immune system, liver function, lipid metabolism and development. Evidence concerning many other PFAS remains more limited.
Four closely evaluated PFAS are:
- PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid): used in producing fluoropolymers for non-stick coatings.
- PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid): used in firefighting foams and stain-resistant treatments.
- PFNA (perfluorononanoic acid): used in fluoropolymer production.
- PFHxS (perfluorohexane sulfonic acid): used in firefighting foams and textile treatments.
EU parameters for drinking water
The EU Drinking Water Directive establishes two parametric values:
- Sum of PFAS: 0.10 µg/L for 20 specified PFAS; Sum of PFAS is a targeted parameter; laboratories quantify the 20 PFAS listed in the Directive and calculate their combined concentration.
- PFAS Total: 0.50 µg/L for the totality of PFAS; PFAS Total has a broader scope and aims to cover PFAS beyond these 20 compounds. As PFAS comprise a large and chemically diverse group, each parameter therefore requires a suitable analytical approach.
How are PFAS analysed?
Targeted analysis commonly combines solid-phase extraction (SPE) with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). SPE concentrates PFAS from water, while LC–MS/MS separates and quantifies the target compounds.
CymitQuimica provides LC–MS-grade solvents, including methanol, acetonitrile and water for analytical workflows.
Why are reference standards important?
Reliable quantification requires standards that match the target compounds and analytical methods.
- EPA Method 533 standards include native PFAS mixtures and isotope-labelled standards.
- EPA Method 537.1 standards support PFAS measurement and recovery assessment.
- Native PFAS precision and recovery standards help evaluate method performance.
Discover products for PFAS analysis at CymitQuimica.
For assistance in selecting products for your method, contact support@cymitquimica.com.