From Challenge to Confidence: PFAS Analysis with Ion Chromatography-Based Techniques
How can you know that you catch all PFAS?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) comprise a group of highly persistent compounds that pose significant environmental concerns, particularly in water quality monitoring. Comprehensive characterization of PFAS contamination remains analytically challenging due to the chemical diversity of these substances and the limitations of individual methods.
This webinar discusses complementary ion chromatography–based approaches for PFAS analysis in accordance with current standards. Combustion ion chromatography (CIC) enables the reliable determination of the total PFAS-related sum parameter AOF (adsorbable organically bound fluorine) and is standardized in DIN 38409-59, ISO 18127, and EPA 1621. This approach provides a robust overview of PFAS contamination levels.
However, the AOF approach does not capture all PFAS. Ultra-short chain PFAS are highly hydrophilic and are less efficiently retained on activated carbon, and therefore are not detected by AOF analysis. One of the most prominent ultra-short chain PFAS is trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a relevant degradation product that may account for a significant proportion of total PFAS in water samples. Ion chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (IC-MS/MS) provides a sensitive and reliable approach for TFA determination in water matrices. In this webinar, the validated approach in accordance with DIN 38407-53 will be presented.
Key learnings of this webinar:
- Understand the regulatory background for PFAS analysis in water (DIN 38409‑59, ISO 18127, EPA 1621, DIN 38407‑53)
- Learn how combustion ion chromatography (CIC) enables the reliable determination of total PFAS-related parameters such as AOF
- Understand the relevance of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) as a key ultra-short chain PFAS in water quality monitoring
- Discover how IC‑MS/MS provides a sensitive and reliable approach for TFA determination according to DIN 38407‑53
Who should attend?
- Water utility operators who need robust and dependable analytical techniques to guarantee the safety of drinking water
- Scientists, researchers, and analytical method developers who need to stay up -to date on sophisticated/state-of-the-art methods for water analysis
- Laboratory staff and managers who considering implementing reliable, cost- and time-efficient analysis of HAA in their lab
Speaker: Dr. Katinka Ruth (Senior Application Specialist IC, Metrohm International Headquarters)
Dr. Ruth received her MSc in Chemistry at the Technical University Munich and a PhD in Environmental Sciences at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich). She gained extensive knowledge in ion chromatography and hyphenation of ion chromatography to mass spectrometers during her 17 years of experience at Metrohm International Headquarters, where she holds a position as Senior Application Specialist.
Speaker: Theresa Steurer (Product Specialist IC, Metrohm International Headquarters)
Theresa Steurer is a Product Specialist in the Ion Chromatography Competence Center at Metrohm International Headquarters in Herisau, Switzerland. She holds a degree in chemistry from the University of Vienna.
With over eight years of experience in the ion chromatography applications laboratory, Theresa has developed extensive expertise in ion chromatography, with a particular focus on combustion ion chromatography.
