Adsorbable organic fluorine (AOF) – a sum parameter for non-targeted screening of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) in waters

The prevalence of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) and other perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) that persist and accumulate in the environment (as well as in our own bodies) is becoming an increasing concern to international health authorities. These chemicals are a class of stable compounds known as «forever chemicals» and are comprised of nearly 10,000 different substances. They are a challenge to monitor indi- vidually and quantify in low concentrations, even in drinking water. Expensive analytical instrumen- tation and experience is required to determine a small selection of individual PFASs, and such anal- yses can be time-consuming and difficult to validate.