A Holding Time Evaluation Study for the Analysis of PFAS in Aqueous Samples
Characterization of Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in the Environment
Oral Presentation
Prepared by C. Neslund
Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories Environmental, LLC, 2425 New Holland Pike, Lancaster, PA, 17601, United States
Contact Information: charlesneslund@eurofinsus.com; 717-556-7231
ABSTRACT
Background/Objectives. Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances are considered persistent organic pollutants (POPs). As such our expectation is that they remain in the environment for years and in many cases are not biodegradable. However, the lone EPA method for the analysis, EPA Method 537, version 1.1, stipulates a holding time of 14 days. Fourteen days is the same holding time used for EPA methods like SW-846 3510/8270 where the target compound lists include compounds known to be susceptible to microbial action or other enhanced oxidation technologies. Is the 14 day holding time for POPs like PFAS overkill?
Approach/Activities. EPA Method 537 requires the use of polypropylene containers and specifically admonishes glass. This is purportedly due to adsobtion of PFAS compounds on the glass walls. In addition, a preservative is added as a chlorine scavenger, Trizma, which also is purported to have some buffered capacity that could potentially improve holding time. Trials were prepared with spiked laboratory water in glass and high density polyethylene (HDPE), and with and without Trizma. Additionally, since Method 537 requires the use of the entire sample container and a rinse of the container, trials with whole container and partial container (subsample) were prepared. Containers were pulled from storage at consistent intervals over 3 months
Results/Lessons Learned. The presentation will describe the results of this holding time study and will look to compare container type, preservative versus no-preservative and whole container versus a subsampled container. Results will be compared for a range of compounds broader than the EPA Method 537 list and will attempt to determine the optimum holding time for each of the scenarios presented previously. Additionally, the results of a client supplied proficiency sample that was prepared in sample matrix at two different points approximately 6 months apart will be shared.
Characterization of Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in the Environment
Oral Presentation
Prepared by C. Neslund
Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories Environmental, LLC, 2425 New Holland Pike, Lancaster, PA, 17601, United States
Contact Information: charlesneslund@eurofinsus.com; 717-556-7231
ABSTRACT
Background/Objectives. Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances are considered persistent organic pollutants (POPs). As such our expectation is that they remain in the environment for years and in many cases are not biodegradable. However, the lone EPA method for the analysis, EPA Method 537, version 1.1, stipulates a holding time of 14 days. Fourteen days is the same holding time used for EPA methods like SW-846 3510/8270 where the target compound lists include compounds known to be susceptible to microbial action or other enhanced oxidation technologies. Is the 14 day holding time for POPs like PFAS overkill?
Approach/Activities. EPA Method 537 requires the use of polypropylene containers and specifically admonishes glass. This is purportedly due to adsobtion of PFAS compounds on the glass walls. In addition, a preservative is added as a chlorine scavenger, Trizma, which also is purported to have some buffered capacity that could potentially improve holding time. Trials were prepared with spiked laboratory water in glass and high density polyethylene (HDPE), and with and without Trizma. Additionally, since Method 537 requires the use of the entire sample container and a rinse of the container, trials with whole container and partial container (subsample) were prepared. Containers were pulled from storage at consistent intervals over 3 months
Results/Lessons Learned. The presentation will describe the results of this holding time study and will look to compare container type, preservative versus no-preservative and whole container versus a subsampled container. Results will be compared for a range of compounds broader than the EPA Method 537 list and will attempt to determine the optimum holding time for each of the scenarios presented previously. Additionally, the results of a client supplied proficiency sample that was prepared in sample matrix at two different points approximately 6 months apart will be shared.
