PFAS Testing in Waters: The Scope of Analyses and Current State of Legislation

Importance of the Topic

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals characterized by extreme persistence and potential for bioaccumulation. Their widespread industrial use and environmental detection across water, soil, and air raise significant concerns for human health and ecosystems. Growing evidence of adverse effects and regulatory pressure have driven the need for sensitive, reliable analytical methods to monitor PFAS levels in drinking water and other environmental matrices.

Study Objectives and Overview

This article from ALS Czech Republic describes the expansion of accredited water testing services for a broad suite of PFAS compounds. It outlines the scope of analytes now covered, the analytical performance achieved, and the evolving legislative limits introduced by the European Union to control PFAS in drinking water.

Methods and Used Instrumentation

The laboratory workflow involves sample preparation—typically solid-phase extraction—to isolate PFAS from water matrices, followed by separation and quantification using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Method validation demonstrates reporting limits as low as 0.0003 µg/L for key PFAS, ensuring compliance with stringent regulatory thresholds. The accredited scope now includes over 60 individual PFAS analytes across carboxylic acids, sulfonic acids, telomeric sulfonates, sulfonamides, and related precursors.

Main Results and Discussion

Validation data show robust detection and quantification of targeted PFAS, including perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), at sub-µg/L levels. The laboratory has achieved low method limits (<0.01 µg/L for most analytes), supporting the new EU Directive (EU) 2020/2184. This regulation sets a 0.1 µg/L limit for the sum of 20 priority PFAS and a provisional 0.5 µg/L threshold for total PFAS. The expanded analyte list allows for comprehensive monitoring and early detection of emerging PFAS, such as HFPO-DA and longer-chain homologues.

Benefits and Practical Applications

Accredited PFAS testing enables water suppliers, environmental agencies, and industries to:

• Demonstrate regulatory compliance with EU drinking water standards
• Identify contamination sources and monitor remediation efforts
• Protect public health by early detection of “forever chemicals”
• Track emerging PFAS not yet regulated but of growing concern

Future Trends and Opportunities

Legislative frameworks are expected to expand limits to additional PFAS beyond PFOS and PFOA, driving demand for multi-analyte screening. Advances in high-resolution mass spectrometry and non-targeted screening will enhance the ability to detect novel and unknown PFAS. Global harmonization of regulations and reference standards will further improve data comparability and support risk-based decision making.

Conclusion

ALS Czech Republic’s accredited PFAS testing capabilities now cover an extensive list of analytes at ultra-trace levels, aligning with evolving EU legislation. The robust analytical approach and low reporting limits provide stakeholders with the confidence to manage PFAS-related risks and ensure water quality.

References

• DIRECTIVE (EU) 2020/2184 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 16 December 2020 on the quality of water intended for human consumption
• EnviroMail / Europe, No. 2/2023: Sampling Recommendations for PFAS to Maximize Data Quality