The large chemical diversity of the PFAS group challenges the analytical laboratory to find the right method for the right compound. At ALS, we use two different analytical techniques to obtain reliable levels of both less volatile PFAS compounds and more volatile PFAS compounds.

One of the more volatile groups is the large group of FTOH (fluorotelomer alcohols). FTOH is not suitable for analysis with the usual liquid chromatography method (LC-MS/MS) that laboratories use for PFAS analysis. A gas chromatograph (GC-MS/MS) is required. GC-MS/MS is an analytical technique that is better suited for volatile compounds with a low boiling point and high vapor pressure, such as FTOH, compared to LC-MS/MS.

FTOH is included in the total PFAS24 according to SGU's regulations on mapping, risk assessment and classification of status (SGU-FS 2023:1). ALS uses GC-MS/MS with positive chemical ionization (PCI) for 6:2 FTOH and 8:2 FTOH with a reporting limit of 5 ng/l in our OV-34c Perfluorinated compounds, PFAS24 and PFAS21 (29) in water analysis package.

Using two analytical instruments (LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS) for PFAS allows us to obtain good selectivity, sensitivity and reliability for ALL PFAS compounds included in the analysis package.

 

PFAS is a heterogeneous group

PFAS is a large heterogeneous group of synthetically produced chemicals. PFAS are long-lived compounds and some have been identified as hazardous to health and the environment. Due to the great diversity of chemical properties of the PFAS group, some can be water-soluble and spread far via water. Others can bind strongly to soil particles and some other PFAS are spread via air.

 

We are here for your questions

If you have questions about our PFAS analyses, you are always welcome to contact us! ALS customer service