Blog | Organomation

PFAS Survey: Sample Prep & Drinking Water Analysis Are Top of Mind

Written by David Oliva | January 09, 2024

 
Ahead of Organomation's participation at the upcoming Science of PFAS event, we wanted to focus on some of the latest discussions related to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. 

The December 2023 edition of The Analytical Scientist included some interesting survey results:

-  Drinking water was ranked as the area currently most important in PFAS analysis
-  Sample preparation, along with instrument sensitivity, ranked as the top challenges related to PFAS research

Organomation sits at the intersection of these critical topics as our nitrogen evaporators are utilized by the Environmental Protection Agency's main drinking water tests, methods 533 and 537, to concentrate samples ahead of LC-MS/MS. In 2023, we visited a number of environmental laboratory customers completing related research, some of whom are part of the EPA's Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) program.

PFAS Sample Preparation: The Definitive Guide

A surefire highlight of the upcoming event hosted by the Air & Wastewater Management Association is a tour of an EPA facility in Raleigh. This location has two of our Automatic 20 Position N-EVAP nitrogen evaporators which they use to remove excess solvent ahead of PFAS analysis.

This piece titled Trends and Challenges in PFAS Analysis includes great insights from three of the main mass spectrometer manufacturers: Agilent, Metrohm and Shimadzu. If interested, please view it here.

A common question from individuals learning about these "forever chemicals" regards where they come from. When asked to provide an example, non-stick cookware is always the one I gravitate to because it's so relatable. We you use this cookware, the quality degrades until you might notice the coating starting to flake off which could easily enter your body through consumption. 

Sources of PFAS which can commonly impact the water supply include but are not limited to: manufacturing facilities, landfills, paints and firefighting foam. 

If you'd like to visit Organomation at the upcoming Science of PFAS Conference, we will be located at Table #15. Our experts are happy to discuss your specific PFAS application and determine how we can make your sample preparation process more efficient. Not attending the show? You can reach our team through email (sales@organomation.com), phone (978-838-7300), or live chat.

 

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