Monitoring PFAS in water sources

Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) are thousands of organic molecules in which all the hydrogen atoms on at least one carbon are replaced by fluorine [1]. PFASs are widely used in different industries, e.g., as surfactants for film-forming foams or as impregnating agents for packaging [2]. Due to their extreme persistence, they are called «forever chemicals», as longer chain compounds accumulate in the environment and biomagnify [3]. Negative health impacts have forced governmental and standardization bodies to take action against the most harmful PFASs, but suitable analytical techniques to trace and regulate these chemicals are needed. Targeted analysis of PFASs is complex and requires expensive instrumentation [4]. Conversely, determining non-targeted sum parameters is an easier way to screen for PFASs. Adsorbable organically bound fluorine (AOF) is a sum parameter covering a broad spectrum of organofluorines. AOF analysis is an adequate screening method for PFASs in water. DIN 38409-59 describes how to use the combination of pyrohydrolytic combustion and ion chromatography (CIC) for AOF analysis – for which Metrohm provides a robust and reliable solution.