Field Sampling Materials Unlikely Source of Contamination for Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Field Samples

Abstract

It is important that sample collection and shipping for monitoring perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in groundwater and soil do not contribute to PFAS concentrations in samples. Recommendations in state and federal PFAS sampling guidance documents are not supported by analytical data nor plausible pathways for exposure. Sixty-six materials were analyzed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for 52 PFAS and total fluorine by particle-induced gamma-ray emission (PIGE) spectroscopy. Of the 22 materials with potential to come in direct contact with samples during sampling, none had quantifiable concentrations of routinely measured PFAS. Ten additional materials had quantifiable individual PFAS concentrations (<0.45–83 μg/m2), and 15 had total fluorine (8000 to >11,000,000 μg F/m). However, no plausible pathways for contaminating samples were detected. Estimates of the quantity of PFAS-containing materials required to reach the EPA health advisory limit (70 ng/L) for a 1 L water sample demonstrates the implausibility of actually contaminating samples. Strict limitations placed on field materials without plausible contact with field samples are not supported, and future efforts should focus only on materials that come in direct contact with field samples and have a plausible pathway for impacting the concentrations of PFAS to levels of concern.

Water Analysis: Emerging Contaminants and Current Issues

“…Rodowa et al assessed the potential of field sampling materials as a source of contamination for PFAS . Sixty-six materials were evaluated; 52 PFAS and total fluorine were measured using LC-MS/MS and particle-induced gamma-ray emission (PIGE) spectroscopy, respectively.…”

“…Rodowa et al assessed the potential of field sampling materials as a source of contamination for PFAS. 37 Sixty-six materials were evaluated; 52 PFAS and total fluorine were measured using LC-MS/MS and particle-induced gamma-ray emission (PIGE) spectroscopy, respectively. While some materials contained measurable PFAS, the 22 materials that had potential to contact samples did not have quantifiable PFAS.…”

Critical Review of Thermal Decomposition of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: Mechanisms and Implications for Thermal Treatment Processes

“…One critical issue for CIC is that it cannot be used to quantify F in solids remaining after combustion (i.e., ash) because CIC requires F to be combusted to HF gas, and ash has already been through a combustion process. PIGE has been used to regularly quantify total F in numerous matrices, ,− and because it is a direct solid-phase analysis, quantification of total F in all matrices of thermal treatment processes is possible. 19 F nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy ( 19 F-NMR) has been used to measure total F and distinguishes between organofluorine and inorganic F in solids, but poor detection limits (ppm levels) impede its broad application.…”

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): Current status and research needs

“…At the workshop, analysts identified a number of key measurement challenges that need to be taken into consideration while analysing for key constituents of PFAS (Rodowa et al, 2020;Shoemaker, 2009;D7979-19, A., 2019). These include:…”