Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) ANALYTICAL OFFERINGS
The widespread use of PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) during the past 70 years has led to large-scale releases into the environment. At ALS we recognise that we need to ensure that we are exploring contemporary techniques and methods to test for PFAS across a range of different matrices to keep up with the pace of PFAS testing requirements.
ALS have been busy over recent month expanding our analytical offering to not only offer a more comprehensive PFAS suite on standard soils and waters, but also to explore how we can support our clients in applying the latest techniques on a range of different matrices. Current offerings include but are not limited to the following.
- PFAS-47 Suite on waters
- PFAS on AFFFs and Firefighting Foams
- PFAS on Concrete (including cores)
PFAS on AFFFs and Firefighting Foams
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a group of chemicals that are found in aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) used in fire suppression systems. Analysis is needed to assess stockpiles of existing foams, in order to comply with the latest regulations, and also to verify that effective decontamination has been conducted where AFFF has been replaced with alternative fluorine-free foams (3F). AFFF concentrates often contain complex mixtures of individual PFAS constituents which require more advanced analytical testing so that decisions can be made on the most robust, accurate and reliable data.
PFAS-47 Suite on waters
In October 2021, the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) confirmed their requirements for sampling and analysis. This included a list of 47 individual PFAS. These compounds have been selected due their known prevalence of use. This is the same list of PFAS currently being used by the Environment Agency as part of their on-going surveillance and long-term monitoring programmes. ALS has developed a targeted low-level method using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to detect these contaminants in environmental samples. ALS have combined the requirements of the European Union (EU) Drinking Water Directive 20 PFAS in a UK/EU comprehensive suite.
PFAS on Concrete (including cores)
ALS have partnered with Celtest, a specialist material testing laboratory, to offer a new PFAS in Concrete Cores testing method. This partnership will allow ALS to act as a one-stop-shop for soil/water and concrete testing, with ALS handling all the logistical arrangements to ensure that your core samples are collected, cut, and crushed according to the required standard. ALS will then arrange for delivery to our specialist contaminated land laboratory in Hawarden and analyse the crushed concrete for a full PFAS suite.
ALS believe that this offering will allow our clients far greater convenience when handling core testing by acting as a single contact point for both the core preparation and the analytical testing.ALS welcome any enquiries from clients wishing to look at this testing option and are happy to provide quotations and supporting information to ensure that this process runs as smoothly as possible for our clients.
PFAS on Swabs
ALS Laboratories have developed and tested a surface swabbing method and chemical analytical method for detection PFAS on non-porous surfaces.
This triple swab approach has been proven to comprehensively detect PFAS on the surface of pipework impacted by firefighting foams and has been applied to demonstrate effective decontamination of fire suppression systems.
As all fluorinated firefighting foam contain fluorosurfactants, termed polyfluoroalkyl PFAS, for which there are no analytical standards, the use of targeted analysis (i.e. USEPA method 1633) is inappropriate for detection of the PFAS contained within aqueous film forming foams (AFFF) and fluoroprotein foams. These proprietary polyfluoroalkyl PFAS can adsorb onto the surface of fire suppression systems, self assemble to form supramolecular assemblies which form a reservoir of PFAS, coating the surfaces.
As the vast majority of PFAS in firefighting foams are not detected using chemical analytical methods which detect target analytes a more comprehensive approach is required to prove fire suppression system decontamination has been effective.
We are also now pleased to announce a new dedicated PFAS support service to handle all your bespoke PFAS requests. Please do not hesitate to contact the PFAS working group email below who would be happy to discuss any requirements with you. We have industry-leading experts ready to support any technical queries you may have. Email: pfas.hawarden@alsglobal.com
Expect to hear more about the offerings we we are working on developments all the constantly but in the meantime, we are encouraging all clients to come and speak to us about your PFAS requirements and projects to see if we can support you.
UsEful Documents
For further information contact our Client Services Team on:
Tel: +44 (0)1244 528 777 • Email: hawardencustomerservices@alsglobal.com
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