PFAS Testing at Normec i2 Analytical
What are PFAS?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of man-made organofluorine chemicals that have been widely used in industry and manufacturing since the 1940s. Applications include protective treatments, polymer manufacturing, and surfactants, including aqueous film foaming foams (AFFFs), as well as mist suppressants used in chrome plating. PFAS are found at many manufacturing and waste or wastewater treatment facilities, as well as in the wider environment.
PFAS compounds contain at least one fully fluorinated methyl (–CF₃) or methylene (–CF₂–) group1. The strong carbon–fluorine (C–F) bond gives these substances exceptional thermal stability and resistance to degradation, making them valuable in numerous consumer products such as non-stick cookware and stain-resistant textiles. They are often referred to as ‘forever chemicals’ as PFAS are highly persistent, bio-accumulative and don’t easily break down in the environment.
Because of their stability and extensive use, PFAS can readily migrate to air, water, soil, and food, and have attracted widespread interest due to their link to potential adverse effects on human health. These concerns have led to the development of regulatory guidance for water and soil quality, along with increased efforts in monitoring, assessment, and source identification.
At Normec 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.
The PFAS testing portfolio at Normec i2 Analytical covers all common compounds with regulatory guidance, including:
• The 20 PFAS substances listed in Annex III of the EU Drinking Water Directive (2020/2184)
• The 48 PFAS substances specified in the Drinking Water Inspectorate Information Letter 03/2024 (21st August 2024)
• CL:AIRE Interim 4 C4SLs – PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS, and PFOS
PFAS in Soils:
In May 2024, CL:AIRE issued interim Category 4 Screening Levels (C4SLs) for four PFAS compounds: PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS, and PFOS.
Normec i2 Analytical 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:
As part of our ongoing commitment to method improvement, Normec i2 Analytical now offers a low-level PFAS in Waters suite consisting of 51 compounds. The suite includes all compounds listed on the Drinking Water Inspectorate 48 (DWI48) and EU Drinking Water Directive (20 PFAS compounds), at a limit of detection around 1 ng/L (and 0.65 ng/L for PFOS and PFOA, in line with EQS requirements for PFOS).
