Characterization of PFAS in Wastewater Using Multiple Target Analytical Methods

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in the Environment
Oral Presentation

Prepared by J. Thorn, H. Kruelle, J. Anderson
Eurofins Environment Testing , 2425 New Holland Pike, Lancaster, PA, 17601, United States


Contact Information: [email protected]; 781-710-9664

ABSTRACT

Wastewater systems are impacted by Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) from a variety of sources, including domestic sewage, landfill leachate, industrial processes (such as manufacturing of non-stick coatings, waterproof materials, firefighting foams, and metal plating facilities), and consumer products (clothing, food packaging, cosmetics). PFAS poses challenges to traditional treatment methods which are largely ineffective at removal.

Characterization of the PFAS load entering a wastewater system as influent and post treatment sample exiting as effluent are critically important to determine the concentrations of PFAS both entering the system and being released from after treatment.

In this study, select wastewater samples from across the United States were analyzed for an extensive list of targeted analytes under an expanded EPA 1633A list as well as Ultra-Short PFAS (carbon chain length <4 carbons). Samples were also processed for total oxidizable precursor (TOP) assay and analyzed post oxidation for the same target analytes.

Results and discussion – results from each analytical method are compiled and discussed regarding composition of analytes pre and post treatment as well as the presences of oxidizable precursors pre and post treatment. Trends in pre and post treatment will be discussed as well as treatment effectiveness across the types of PFAS present in the samples.