PFAS Laboratory Testing

Testing Drinking water, Wastewater, Groundwater, Surface water, BIOSOLIDS, Soil, and Sediment

Merit Laboratories PFAS Testing Leaders

As chemistry professionals committed to providing high quality analytical testing services, we understand the important role environmental laboratories play in protecting our environment.  After all, our children, families, friends, and neighbors may be using the same water source that we are testing.  Which is one of the reasons Merit Laboratories continuously invests in the latest instrumentation, method development procedures, and training to provide the most accurate data. 

Merit maintains multiple certifications for the analysis of PFAS and is a leader in the diverse range of PFAS analytical methods performed. Explore this page to learn more about specific PFAS methods and project applicability.

Download our PFAS Overview to learn more.

What are Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)?

Polyfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are fluorinated organic chemicals, which include perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS).  PFAS chemicals are persistent and bioaccumulate. Persistent means they do not break down in the environment and bioaccumulate refers to the process of building up over time in the blood and organs.

Of all the PFAS compounds, PFOA and PFOS have been the most studied.  PFOA and PFOS have been used in the manufacturing of carpet, clothing, shoes, cookware, packaging, oil and water repellents, furniture, take-out food containers, and countless other application like the surfactants needed in chrome plating and the main compounds that researchers hope can be used in liquid breathing.  PFAS compounds have also been used by the Department of Defense (DoD) for fire extinguishing at military base airfields at locations throughout the United States.

PFAS substances are long carbon chain acids or salts with fluorines attached to most or all the carbons.  These were all man-made or breakdown products of man-made chemicals. 

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PFAS are also known as:

  • Perfluorinated chemicals

  • Perfluorochemicals

  • Perfluoroalkyls

  • Perfluorinated alkyl acids

  • Polyfluorinated chemicals

  • Polyfluorinated compounds

  • Polyfluoroalkyl substances

 

Why test for PFAS substances?

Currently we know of more than 500 PFCs being used in products and industries. At least two of these compounds seem to be scientifically-accepted as bad for humans and the environment: perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS).  A significant amount of research involving these compounds is currently being evaluated and published.  It seems likely that the list and limits might change. A significant amount of research involving those two compounds as well as many other PFC's are currently being studied and published.  The industry is in the early stages of dealing with these compounds and it seems likely that the list of compounds and limits might change as we learn more.

 

What methods do we perform?

Merit Laboratories offers several analytical options for PFAS. Analytical methods performed by Merit Laboratories include the following: EPA 533, EPA 537 Rev. 1.1, EPA 537.1, EPA 1633, ASTM D7979 with Isotopic Dilution, ASTM D8421, and ASTM D7968-17.

EPA 533: A new drinking water method for short chain PFAS (none greater than C12). This method includes a total of 25 PFAS compounds, which includes 14 of the 18 listed in EPA 537.1 along with 11 additional short chain PFAS.  The list of additional compounds in EPA 533 includes those that cannot be analyzed by EPA 537.1 because of physicochemical properties.  EPA 533 is performed by Isotope Dilution Anion Exchange Solid Phase Extraction and Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry. Isotope dilution is incorporated into the method, which can minimize sample matrix interference and improve data quality.

EPA 537 Rev. 1.1: This is a drinking water method for 14 PFAS compounds using Solid Phase Extraction and Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS/MS).  As with most EPA drinking water methods, EPA 537 is prescriptive and the only allowable modifications are mentioned in the method. The U.S. EPA has made it abundantly clear that EPA 537 should not be used for any sample matrix other than drinking water.  Additionally, the method is limited to the 14 PFAS compounds listed in the method. Merit performs EPA 537 rev. 1.1 in drinking water for the list of 14 compounds.

EPA 537.1: A drinking water method updated in 2020. EPA 537.1, a prescriptive method, is performed for the determination of a select list of 18 PFAS compounds using Solid Phase Extraction and Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). This revision is an update to EPA 537, first published in 2009. Merit performs EPA 537.1 in drinking water for the list of 18 compounds detailed in the method. 

ASTM D7979 with Isotopic Dilution: A method that was approved and published by ASTM D19 for non-drinking water samples. It is the first validated method for non-drinking water aqueous matrices for PFCs using Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS/MS).  EPA Region 5 Laboratory completed development of ASTM D7979.  During our method development for ASTM D7979, Merit was able to consistently demonstrate much better recoveries for all PFAS compounds. The better recoveries are partly attributed to much less sample handling.  Sample handling can both contaminate and remove compounds of interest in your samples. There are other key advantages for using ASTM D7979 with Isotopic Dilution. One such advantage is there is much less chance of contamination or analyte loss. ASTM D7979 also provides consistent results. It should be noted that in order to achieve low limits of detection, the laboratory must commit to using the latest state-of-art instrumentation and technology and employing much longer run times to separate out interferences. The ASTM method is simpler to prep samples, however, that is where the simplicity ends.  When running samples using SPE you gain two significant advantages: (1) 250 times multiplier, which allows for lower detection limit; and, (2) Removal of many interferences. By using these two advantages, a laboratory can significantly shorten the run time, while the effect of multiplications allows for the use of less-sensitive instrumentation. 

ASTM D7968-17: A PFAS method performed for soil and solid matrices. Developed by the U.S. EPA Region 5 Chicago Regional Laboratory (CRL), this method is performed using Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). Merit performs ASTM D7968-17 to support site investigation efforts or other projects involving the collection of soil, solid, and biosolid samples. Soil samples are prepared for analysis with a solvent extraction prior to analysis. 

PFAS by LC/MS/MS Compliant with QSM Table B-15  (DoD Method): A replacement for Method 537M. The PFAS method listed in the Department of Defense Quality Systems Manual. This method is appropriate for Department of Defense projects or other projects requiring DoD ELAP accreditation. 

EPA 8327: A new validated method for PFAS using external standard calibration and Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). The method is for non-drinking water aqueous samples, including groundwater, surface water, and wastewater. EPA 8327 is similar to ASTM D7979-19 minus the isotopic dilution. There are 24 PFAS compounds listed in the EPA 8327.

EPA 1633: Draft Method 1633 is intended to complement existing validated methods that test for PFAS in drinking water and non-potable water. It also intends to complement existing Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) methods to test for PFAS compounds in drinking water and a Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) method for PFAS in non-potable water.

ASTM D8421: An ASTM method for non-drinking water samples for PFCs using Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS/MS).  Merit participated in the multi-lab study for the validation of ASTM D8421, which leverages the advantages of ASTM D7979 while encompassing a larger analyte list.

What sample matrices do we test?

We can perform PFAS testing on drinking water, wastewater, groundwater, surface water, biosolids, soil, and sediment samples.

How do we set-up PFAS testing?

It's simple because we make things easy for our clients. To set-up a PFAS project, just contact Merit Laboratories at 517.332.0167, email at info@meritlabs.com, or complete the PFAS form below. We will guide you through the sample collection container needs, compound lists, holding times, and method selection.

Please note that the following PFAS compound lists are for informational purposes only. Please check with Merit Laboratories to discuss your specific project or program needs to select the most appropriate method and compound list to support your data quality objectives .

Which PFAS compounds are analyzed in Drinking Water by EPA 533?

The analyte list identified in EPA 533 includes:

  • 11-Chloroeicosafluoro-3-oxaundecane-1-sulfonic acid (11Cl-PF3OUdS)

  • 9-Chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanonane-1-sulfonic acd (9Cl-PF3ONS)

  • 4,8-Dioxa-3H-perfluorononanoic acid (ADONA )

  • Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA)

  • Nonafluoro-3,6-dioxaheptanoic acid (NFDHA)

  • Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA)

  • Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS)

  • 1H,1H, 2H, 2H-Perfluorodecane sulfonic acid (8:2FTS)

  • Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA)

  • Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA)

  • Perfluoro(2-ethoxyethane)sulfonic acid (PFEESA)

  • Perfluoroheptanesulfonic acid (PFHpS)

  • Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA)

  • 1H,1H, 2H, 2H-Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (4:2FTS)

  • Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS)

  • Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA)

  • Perfluoro-3-methoxypropanoic acid (PFMPA)

  • Perfluoro-4-methoxybutanoic acid (PFMBA)

  • Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)

  • 1H,1H, 2H, 2H-Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (6:2FTS)

  • Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)

  • Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)

  • Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA)

  • Perfluoropentanesulfonic acid (PFPeS)

  • Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA)

Which PFAS compounds are analyzed in Drinking Water by EPA 537 Rev. 1.1?

Here are the compounds that are analyzed by EPA 537 Rev. 1.1 for drinking water:

  • Perfluorohexanoic Acid (PFHxA)

  • Perfluorobutane Sulfonic Acid (PFBS)

  • Perfluoroheptanoic Acid (PFHpA)

  • Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA)

  • Perfluorohexane Sulfonic Acid (PFHxS)

  • Perfluorohexane Sulfonic Acid - Linear (PFHxS-LN)

  • Perfluorohexane Sulfonic Acid - Branched (PFHxS-BR)

  • Perfluorononanoic Acid (PFNA)

  • Perfluorodecanoic Acid (PFDA)

  • N-Methyl Perfluorooctane Sulfonamidoacetic Acid (N-MeFOSAA)

  • N-Ethyl Perfluorooctane Sulfonamidoacetic Acid (EtFOSAA)

  • Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid (PFOS)

  • Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid - Linear (PFOS-LN)

  • Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid - Branched (PFOS-BR)

  • Perfluoroundecanoic Acid (PFUnDA)

  • Perfluorododecanoic Acid (PFDoDA)

  • Perfluorotridecanoic Acid (PFTrDA)

  • Perfluorotetradecanoic Acid (PFTeDA)

 

Which PFAS compounds are analyzed in Drinking Water by EPA 537.1?

Here are the compounds that are analyzed by EPA 537.1 for drinking water:

  • Perfluorohexanoic Acid (PFHxA)

  • Perfluorobutane Sulfonic Acid (PFBS)

  • Perfluoroheptanoic Acid (PFHpA)

  • Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA)

  • Perfluorohexane Sulfonic Acid (PFHxS)

  • Perfluorohexane Sulfonic Acid - Linear (PFHxS-LN)

  • Perfluorohexane Sulfonic Acid - Branched (PFHxS-BR)

  • Perfluorononanoic Acid (PFNA)

  • Perfluorodecanoic Acid (PFDA)

  • N-Methyl Perfluorooctane Sulfonamidoacetic Acid (N-MeFOSAA)

  • N-Ethyl Perfluorooctane Sulfonamidoacetic Acid (EtFOSAA)

  • Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid (PFOS)

  • Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid - Linear (PFOS-LN)

  • Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid - Branched (PFOS-BR)

  • Perfluoroundecanoic Acid (PFUnDA)

  • Perfluorododecanoic Acid (PFDoDA)

  • Perfluorotridecanoic Acid (PFTrDA)

  • Perfluorotetradecanoic Acid (PFTeDA)

  • Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA)

  • 11-chloroeicosafluoro-3-oxaundecane-1-sulfonic acid (11Cl-PF3OUds)

  • 9-chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanone-1-sulfonic acid (9Cl-PF3ONS)

  • 4,8-dioxa-3H-perfluorononanoic acid (ADONA)

Which PFAS compounds are Typically analyzed for DoD projects?

Here’s a standard list of DoD PFAS compounds, however, please note that compounds can be added or removed to create DoD site specific lists:

  • Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA)

  • Perfluoropentanoic Acid (PFPeA)

  • 4:2 Fluorotelomer Sulfonic Acid (4:2 FTSA)

  • Perfluorohexanoic Acid (PFHxA)

  • Perfluorobutane Sulfonic Acid (PFBS)

  • Perfluoroheptanoic Acid (PFHpA)

  • Perfluoropentane Sulfonic Acid (PFPeS)

  • 6:2 Fluorotelomer Sulfonic Acid (6:2 FTSA)

  • Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA)

  • Perfluorohexane Sulfonic Acid (PFHxS)

  • Perfluorohexane Sulfonic Acid - Linear (PFHxS-LN)

  • Perfluorohexane Sulfonic Acid - Branched (PFHxS-BR)

  • Perfluorononanoic Acid (PFNA)

  • 8:2 Fluorotelomer Sulfonic Acid (8:2 FTSA)

  • Perfluoroheptane Sulfonic Acid (PFHpS)

  • Perfluorodecanoic Acid (PFDA)

  • N-Methyl Perfluorooctane Sulfonamidoacetic Acid (N-MeFOSAA)

  • N-Ethyl Perfluorooctane Sulfonamidoacetic Acid (EtFOSAA)

  • Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid (PFOS)

  • Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid - Linear (PFOS-LN)

  • Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid - Branched (PFOS-BR)

  • Perfluoroundecanoic Acid (PFUnDA)

  • Perfluorononane Sulfonic Acid (PFNS)

  • Perfluorododecanoic Acid (PFDoDA)

  • Perfluorodecane Sulfonic Acid (PFDS)

  • Perfluorotridecanoic Acid (PFTrDA)

  • Perfluorooctane Sulfonamide (FOSA)

  • Perfluorotetradecanoic Acid (PFTeDA)

  • 11-chloroeicosafluoro-3-oxaundecane-1-sulfonic acid (11Cl-PF3OUds)

  • 9-chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanone-1-sulfonic acid (9Cl-PF3ONS)

  • 4,8-dioxa-3H-perfluorononanoic acid (ADONA)

  • Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA)

Do you have the list of the PFAS compounds that are typically analyzed to Support Michigan EGLE Projects by ASTMD 7979 with isotopic Dilution?

Yes, here's a list of PFAS compounds:

  • Perfluorobutanoic Acid (PFBA)

  • Perfluoropentanoic Acid (PFPeA)

  • 4:2 Fluorotelomer Sulfonic Acid (4:2 FTSA)

  • Perfluorohexanoic Acid (PFHxA)

  • Perfluorobutane Sulfonic Acid (PFBS)

  • Perfluoroheptanoic Acid (PFHpA)

  • Perfluoropentane Sulfonic Acid (PFPeS)

  • 6:2 Fluorotelomer Sulfonic Acid (6:2 FTSA)

  • Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA)

  • Perfluorohexane Sulfonic Acid (PFHxS)

  • Perfluorohexane Sulfonic Acid - Linear (PFHxS-LN)

  • Perfluorohexane Sulfonic Acid - Branched (PFHxS-BR)

  • Perfluorononanoic Acid (PFNA)

  • 8:2 Fluorotelomer Sulfonic Acid (8:2 FTSA)

  • Perfluoroheptane Sulfonic Acid (PFHpS)

  • Perfluorodecanoic Acid (PFDA)

  • N-Methyl Perfluorooctane Sulfonamidoacetic Acid (N-MeFOSAA)

  • N-Ethyl Perfluorooctane Sulfonamidoacetic Acid (EtFOSAA)

  • Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid (PFOS)

  • Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid - Linear (PFOS-LN)

  • Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid - Branched (PFOS-BR)

  • Perfluoroundecanoic Acid (PFUnDA)

  • Perfluorononane Sulfonic Acid (PFNS)

  • Perfluorododecanoic Acid (PFDoDA)

  • Perfluorodecane Sulfonic Acid (PFDS)

  • Perfluorotridecanoic Acid (PFTrDA)

  • Perfluorooctane Sulfonamide (FOSA)

  • Perfluorotetradecanoic Acid (PFTeDA)

  • Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA)

  • 11-chloroeicosafluoro-3-oxaundecane-1-sulfonic acid (11Cl-PF3OUds)

  • 9-chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanone-1-sulfonic acid (9Cl-PF3ONS)

  • 4,8-dioxa-3H-perfluorononanoic acid (ADONA)

  • PFECHS

  • PFBSA

  • PFHxSA

Do you have the list of the PFAS compounds that are typically analyzed to Support Wisconsin Projects (non-Drinking Water)?

Yes, here's a list of PFAS compounds:

  • Perfluorobutanoic Acid (PFBA)

  • Perfluoropentanoic Acid (PFPeA)

  • 4:2 Fluorotelomer Sulfonic Acid (4:2 FTSA)

  • Perfluorohexanoic Acid (PFHxA)

  • Perfluorobutane Sulfonic Acid (PFBS)

  • Perfluoroheptanoic Acid (PFHpA)

  • Perfluoropentane Sulfonic Acid (PFPeS)

  • 6:2 Fluorotelomer Sulfonic Acid (6:2 FTSA)

  • Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA)

  • Perfluorohexane Sulfonic Acid (PFHxS)

  • Perfluorohexane Sulfonic Acid - Linear (PFHxS-LN)

  • Perfluorohexane Sulfonic Acid - Branched (PFHxS-BR)

  • Perfluorononanoic Acid (PFNA)

  • 8:2 Fluorotelomer Sulfonic Acid (8:2 FTSA)

  • Perfluoroheptane Sulfonic Acid (PFHpS)

  • Perfluorodecanoic Acid (PFDA)

  • N-Methyl Perfluorooctane Sulfonamidoacetic Acid (N-MeFOSAA)

  • N-Ethyl Perfluorooctane Sulfonamidoacetic Acid (EtFOSAA)

  • Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid (PFOS)

  • Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid - Linear (PFOS-LN)

  • Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid - Branched (PFOS-BR)

  • Perfluoroundecanoic Acid (PFUnDA)

  • Perfluorononane Sulfonic Acid (PFNS)

  • Perfluorododecanoic Acid (PFDoDA)

  • Perfluorodecane Sulfonic Acid (PFDS)

  • Perfluorotridecanoic Acid (PFTrDA)

  • Perfluorooctane Sulfonamide (FOSA)

  • Perfluorotetradecanoic Acid (PFTeDA)

  • 11-chloroeicosafluoro-3-oxaundecane-1-sulfonic acid (11Cl-PF3OUds)

  • 9-chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanone-1-sulfonic acid (9Cl-PF3ONS)

  • 4,8-dioxa-3H-perfluorononanoic acid (ADONA)

  • Fluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA)

  • PFDoS

  • NMeFOSAM

  • NEIFOSAM

  • NMeFOSE

  • NEIFOSE

What are the sample containers and preservation requirements for PFAS?

Merit will provide you with the needed sample containers and preservatives. Here are the specifics:

  • EPA 537 Rev. 1.1, and EPA 537.1 (Drinking Water): We provide three 250-ml containers preserved with TRIZMA.

  • EPA 533 (Drinking Water): We provide three 250-mL containers preserved with ammonium acetate.

  • ASTM D7979 with Isotopic Dilution (Water): We provide three 15-ml centrifuge tubes.

  • ASTM D7968-17 (Soil/Sediment): We provide necessary soil containers.

 

Note: Please note that all of PFAS compound lists provided on this page are for informational purposes only. Please check with Merit Laboratories to discuss your specific project or program needs to select the most appropriate method and compound list to support your data quality objectives .

Where can you go for toxicological information on PFAS?

Latest PFAS Technical Blog Updates from Merit