Environmental Industry Updates
The Latest News on Scientific and Regulatory Updates from Merit Laboratories
Sample collection for PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl substances) requires an experienced environmental professional to eliminate and reduce potential field issues that could impact analytical test results. To support our clients’ PFAS sample collection efforts, Merit provides sample collection kits to ensure the proper sample volume is collected, along with appropriate preservatives and sample containers.
It must be noted that the sample collection container type, volume, and preservatives are dependent upon the sample matrix and analytical method. Here are the standard guidelines for the PFAS sample collection kits provided by Merit:
Many of the longer chain carbon compounds analyzed as part of PFAS testing have long chemical names and can be tricky to differentiate. At Merit Laboratories, we’re always working to find ways to make it easy for our clients. To help you out, here’s a list of acronyms used for commonly-analyzed polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) has launched a statewide program for Michigan schools and public drinking water systems to test for polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Schools with water from wells have been notified by the MDEQ of the need for PFAS testing. Schools receiving water from a public water system will be notified of analytical results by the drinking water provider.
The number of sites with PFAS contamination in Michigan continues to grow. The MDEQ has compiled a listing of these PFAS sites along with a map that have been identified as having PFAS levels that are potentially impacting human health and the environment . The sites, which are found at locations throughout Michigan, include:
Maya Murshak, CEO of Merit Laboratories, delivered a technical presentation to the Michigan Manufacturing Association about Perfluorocarbons (PFCs). PFCs are commonly known as Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). The presentation was held on May 8th in Lansing for members of the MMA Environmental Policy Committee and PFAS Workgroup.
The MDEQ recently released the list of PFAS compounds that should be analyzed as part of the Industrial Pretreatment Program. The list, considered a minimum list of PFAS compounds, was created by the MDEQ based upon the potential for these analytes to be present in Michigan, the availability of the chemical standards for laboratory testing, and ability of laboratories to perform the testing.
Merit Laboratories performs testing for all of the PFAS compounds listed in the MDEQ IPP PFAS directive. The list of IPP PFAS compounds includes:
Our team of scientists recently completed the analytical study for air samples to compare analytical results between 6-Liter and 1.4-Liter Silonite™ Ceramic Coated canisters. The study was performed by collecting the same samples in both 6-Liter and 1.4-Liter canisters. A total of seven split samples were collected and analyzed. Analytical data from the comparison study were in agreement; with an average relative percent difference (RPD) of only 4.6% for each of the 81 compounds analyzed by TO-15. The results of the study confirm that it is not the size of the air sample collected that counts, but sample collection flow rate that actually matters.
Merit Laboratories is Michigan’s environmental laboratory for PFAS analytical testing. Merit offers two analytical options for PFAS: EPA 537 and ASTM D7979. Merit Laboratories performs EPA 537 in drinking water for the list of 14 PFAS substances that are EPA-approved by the method. EPA 537 is a prescriptive Drinking Water Method for 14 PFCs. We also perform ASTM D7979, which is a method for non-drinking water matrices. Merit Laboratories can analyze for the MDEQ PFAS requested list of 24 PFAS substances using ASTM D7979.
