Targeted analysis
Targeted LC-MS/MS methods quantify defined lists of PFAS compounds. EPA Method 1633A covers PFAS analysis in aqueous, solid, biosolids and tissue matrices. Method status and regulatory applicability should always be checked for the relevant program.
Adsorbable Organic Fluorine (AOF)
EPA Method 1621 measures aggregate adsorbable organic fluorine in aqueous matrices using combustion ion chromatography. It is a screening-style parameter and is not the same as identifying specific PFAS compounds.
Sampling controls
PFAS sampling requires strict attention to contamination control. Field blanks, equipment materials, laboratory QA/QC and method-specific instructions can materially affect data quality.
Beyond target lists
Non-targeted and total-fluorine approaches can reveal fluorinated material not captured by conventional target lists. These methods can be valuable in treatment validation and fluorine mass-balance studies, but interpretation requires specialist expertise.