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PFAS in the Environment: Analysis & Methodology

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a family of thousands of synthetic chemicals. Industries have been producing these since the 1940s. The most well-known compounds include PFOS, PFOA, and their salts. These substances have unique properties, such as resistance to water, oils, fats, and high temperatures, which led to their widespread use. However, these same properties have raised significant environmental and human health concerns.

PFAS are persistent contaminants. Scientists call them “Forever Chemicals” or “Persistent Mobile Organic Compounds” because the fluorine-carbon bond in these substances is extremely difficult to break down in both humans and the environment.

PFAS pose risks to human health and the environment. They are present in various matrices, including water, soil, air, waste, food, and food contact materials.

An Approach Still Not Globally Harmonized

Governments and organizations worldwide are addressing the issue of PFAS in the environment, but their approaches remain non-harmonized:

  • In the United States, the approach to water contamination is the most comprehensive. The EPA developed a strategic roadmap years ago, establishing health advisory levels as reference limits for PFAS presence in water.
  • In China, official test methods exist, but there are no specific laws.
  • In Australia, a recent epidemiological study has raised public awareness, but no regulations regarding PFAS usage are in place.
  • In Europe, authorities have classified PFAS as Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and restricted the use and marketing of certain molecules. However, the regulations vary depending on the specific context.

PFAS in the Environment: A Subject in Rapid Evolution

Authorities have added new PFAS molecules to the list of POPs, and legislation related to food and packaging is evolving. Due to the mobility of these contaminants across various matrices, authorities will likely introduce more regulations on PFAS concentration limits and shared analytical methods in the coming years.

For water intended for human consumption, EU Directive 2020/2184 addresses emerging contaminants. These are substances that are minimally or not at all regulated in a harmonized way in Europe, but pose serious safety concerns due to their widespread presence and associated health risks.

Using various international and accredited methods, we perform PFAS analysis in drinking water, as well as in wastewater and groundwater.

The POPs list includes PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, along with their salts and derivatives. This applies to the classification and management of waste, including its disposal in landfills, and regulates waste that consists of, contains, or is contaminated by these substances.

We monitor PFAS in waste in accordance with regulations, particularly focusing on those PFAS considered as POPs.

PFAS can spread through environmental emissions. Monitoring their presence in the air is essential to understanding their mobility across different environmental compartments.

We use the US EPA OTM 45 method, which is the primary reference for sampling PFAS in air emissions. We use this performance-based method to collect and analyze specific semi-volatile and particulate PFAS from stationary emission sources.

Studies show that PFAS concentrations in soils at contaminated sites are often significantly higher than in groundwater. PFAS have been detected in soils worldwide, indicating that soil acts as a major reservoir.

This is a critical issue that we can monitor with specialized analytical methods.

Firefighting foams, which were—and in some cases still are—made with PFAS, are responsible for many instances of PFAS contamination in Europe and the US, affecting both soil and drinking water. As a result, regulatory initiatives are evolving globally to limit their use in such applications.

We analyze firefighting foams, along with water and soil from areas where they were used. Our approach ranges from targeted techniques to broader methods, including precursor analysis and projects aimed at supporting management plans to address identified risks.

Mérieux NutriSciences has extensive knowledge of PFAS, thanks to years of experience in areas contaminated by these substances. We participate in technical panels and proficiency tests, and we regularly collaborate with stakeholders and working groups to discuss PFAS techniques, limits, and monitored molecules.

For this reason, we conduct analyses in various matrices beyond environmental samples, such as:

  • Food
  • Packaging and food contact materials
  • Cosmetics

PFAS in the Environment: Our Methodology

The most well-known PFAS compounds are monitored using conventional targeted analysis. This approach provides quantitative data and ensures compliance with legislation when a precise list of molecules is available.

The new challenge is managing a wide range of emerging contaminants, including dangerous PFAS or their precursors, while ensuring they remain part of the target.

Ask our experts to find the best solution!

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Read more on PFAS

PFAS in Food, Packaging & Water
PFAS in Food, Packaging & Water