Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and Total Oxidizable Precursor Assay for PFAS precursors (TOP Assay or TOPA) analysis.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
PFAS are a range of synthetic chemical compounds, which are used across a range of industries because of their high temperature resistance, waterproofing, grease proofing and stain repellent properties. Compounds belonging to this group are also called “forever chemicals” due to the chain of linked carbon and fluorine atoms. The Carbon-Fluoride (C-F) bond is one of the strongest bonds in chemistry resulting in these chemicals being able to resist degradation in the environment. They are bioaccumulative, reprotoxic, immunotoxin and possibly carcinogenic. They are also extremely mobile in the environment, which means they can easily leach from soil to the groundwater or migrate from soil to the plants. In all cases of migration humans are the final point of accumulation of these contaminates.
Until recently, the UK routinely monitored for only two of the PFAS compounds in water: PFOS and PFOA. However, the UK Drinking Water Inspectorate as of the 31st December 2021 requires that all drinking water is monitored for a list of 47 PFAS, which include 19 of the 20 PFAS listed in the European Drinking Water directive.
To support our customers’ growing requirements, VLS has dedicated one of their LC/MS QQQ for PFAS analysis only. Our LC is equipped will PFC-free parts and additional modifications have been installed to meet the VLS set MDL, which are exceeding the current European standards.
Veritas Laboratory Services Ltd. is offering following portfolios of 49 PFAS in ash, soil, sediment, effluent waters, surface water, and ground waters:
▶ PFOS/PFOA
▶ list of all 47 compounds from current Directive Water Inspectorate (DWI) guidance
▶ list of PFAS regulated and proposed for listing under Stockholm Convention
▶ USA EPA 1633 draft method
▶ TOPA analysis (not accredited)
At Veritas, we do understand that testing for individual PFAS compounds is not always enough, therefore we are now offering TOP Assay analysis.
Total Oxidisable Precursor Assay for PFAS precursors (TOP Assay or TOPA)
Most laboratories offer the analysis of an average 30-40 PFAS compounds in a single run. However, there are over 4500 different PFAS identified globally. This limited analysis cannot determine the future level of PFAS that will be present in the soil after a few months or years when the PFAS precursors previously present degrade due to changes caused by environmental conditions.
TOP Assay/TOPA consists of analysis of a sample before and after the oxidization processes (in basic conditions). The higher the level of PFAS in the sample after oxidisation, the higher the levels of background PFAS precursors in the original sample. The TOPA does not identify which individual precursor PFAS compounds are present but tells us if there is the potential presence of these compounds.
Veritas Laboratory Services has extended the range of PFAS analysis in waters and soils by TOP Assay/TOPA analysis.
For further information please contact customerservices@veritaslabs.co.uk or if you have a specific PFAS requirement we can offer a speedy validation.