Determination of PFAS in the Environment

A new ASTM International standard will help laboratories to better determine the presence of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in environmental samples. ASTM’s committee on environmental assessment, risk management and corrective action (E50) developed the new standard.

PFAS are a large, complex group of compounds found in water, air, fish, and soil throughout the world. Additionally, some consumer, commercial, and industrial products contain PFAS. These widely used chemicals persist, breaking down slowly. The ongoing, expanding nature of PFAS environmental awareness and the need for more comprehensive investigations have caused increased demand for PFAS environmental sampling and analysis.

“The new guide will assist users in navigating environmental sample analytical test methods for both targeted and non-targeted analytical approaches, as well as additional protocols applicable to PFAS,” says ASTM International member Eileen Snyder.

According to Snyder, the new standard (E3302) will assist a wide range of users, including testing laboratories, remediation professionals, data reviewers, state and federal regulators, tribes, international organizations, water treatment systems, industrial dischargers, and more.  

Snyder, regional technical coordinator, Alpha Analytical, says that all interested parties are invited to join in the standard development activities of E50. The committee is working on proposed standards for PFAS data evaluation and sample collection, as well as on PFAS-related topics such as site screening and initial site characterization.