PFAS analysis and quantification
The concern for potential health effects associated with PFAS compounds, such as PFOS and PFOA, and their persistence in the environment requires that sampling and testing monitoring programs be established to assess the extent and degree of PFAS contamination in the environment. Due to enhanced sensitivity, the use of LC/MS/MS allows quantification of PFAS compounds in the parts per trillion (ppt) range. Coupled with the determinative capability of tandem mass spectrometry, this method allows for the definitive assay of PFASs at trace levels in drinking water and other applicable matrices.
Which PFAS analytes do you test for?
Currently, we have a standard operation protocol to quantify seven PFAS species as tabulated at NJIT. We are continuously adding new compounds to the list; if you are interested in a different species, contact us for a discussion.
Chemical Data
| Abbreviation | Chemical formula | Detection limit (DL) (ppt) | Analytical LOD (ppt) | SPE extraction recoveries (%) | Minimum Reporting Level (MRL) (ppt) |
| PFOS | C8HF17O3S | 0.5 | 50 | 87 | 5 |
| PFOA | C8HF15O2 | 0.6 | 62 | 88 | 6 |
| PFNA | C9HF17O2 | 0.6 | 58 | 54 | 6 |
| PFBS | C4HF9O3S | 0.5 | 54 | 72 | 5 |
| PFBA | C4HF7O2 | 0.5 | |||
| PFDA | C9F19COOH | 0.5 | |||
| PFDoA | C12HF23O2 | 0.5 | |||
| PFHpA | C7HF13O2 | 0.7 | 71 | 14 | 7 |
| PFHxS | C6HF13O3S | 0.5 | 50 | 40 | 5 |
| PFHxA | C6HF11O2 | 0.5 | 52 | 10 | 5 |
| 11C1-PF3OUdS | C10ClF20O4S.K | 0.5 | |||
| 9C1-PF3ONS | C8ClF16O4SK | 0.5 | |||
| ADONA | C7H5F2NO4 | 0.5 | |||
| HFPO-DA | C6HF11O3 | 0.5 |
Which media are accepted?
Water, soil, plants, others (e.g., sediment).
Do you process samples on-site or must they be processed before being sent to you?
For a better processing and turnaround time, we recommend you inform us of the sample receiving with at least 48 h notice. Samples should be collected in clean polypropylene sample bottles or bags that may be sent to customers and stored in ice until delivery. Water samples should be preserved using Trizma. Environmental/site blanks would always be encouraged, please, discuss with us the best protocol to follow.
Which methodologies are used in testing (e.g., EPA Method 537)?
EPA Method 537.1 is the current method in place at NJIT, and we are working on implementing the new EPA Method 533. Moreover, for the analysis of PFAS in natural waters (lakes, wells, rivers, etc.), we plan to use SW-846 Method 8327 that EPA developed using a direct injection liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method, which also utilizes external calibration for analysis of 24 PFAS in non-potable water (not of drinking quality).
What is the turnaround time for samples?
Sampling and sample transfer times are not included. Sample measurement always contains 5 standard solutions for building a calibration curve; QC samples are deionized water and a standard PFAS mixture sample.
Extraction and Analysis Timelines
| Sample Type | Extraction is Needed | No Extraction |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 7 business days | 1-3 business days |
| 14 business days | 1-4 business days | |
| Soil | 14 business days | 1-4 business days |
| 14 business days | 1-3 business days | |
| Plant | 14 business days | 1-3 business days |
| 14 business days | 1-3 business days |
As well as any cost information associated with any of the above.
Pricing Information
| Sample Type | Extraction is Needed | No extraction or direct measurement after filtration or proper dilution |
| Water | $400 per sample* | $350 per sample* |
| Soil | $500-700 per sample* | |
| Plant | $500-700 per sample |
Sampling and transportation are not included
*Those are baseline cost that are usually sufficient. However, due to the complexity and uncertainties on sample matrixes, we may charge additionally for verification or exploratory research.
The general work flow is that (1) receiving sample testing requests from customers/clients and collect sample information; (2) field sampling or sample shipping may be requested to allow us to develop a short work plan or proposal with a preliminary quotation; (3) once customers agree on work plan and quotation, we sign contracts. It is a long-term testing project or involves intensive sampling/testing workload (rather than a few limited samples), we may need to go through sponsored research office and develop a research proposal that comes with indirect cost on top of the testing cost.