PFAS Testing 

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of chemicals that are resistant to heat, water, and oil. For many years they were used in industrial and consumer applications for waterproofing, stain resistance and non-stick coating.

Fibertec Environmental Services now offers PFAS Testing for soil, ground water and drinking water samples. Our lab analyzes 18-28 compounds for PFAS chemicals based on method requirements. Fibertec uses ASTM D7979/ASTM D7968 to analyze groundwater, wastewater, and solids including Biosolids for PFAS.  EPA Method 537.1 modified is also available for non-potable water with lower reporting limits (1ng/L). We are now offering drinking water Method EPA 537.1.

PFAS Sampling Collection Guidelines

FOR ASTM NON-POTABLE WATER SAMPLES:

Three, 15mL polypropylene centrifuge tubes and caps per sample filled to the specifications in the sampling guidelines provided. *Foam matrix requires (1), 2 oz polypropylene jar and cap. Trip Blanks are recommended. 28 days to analyze.

For ASTM soil samples:

Two, 2 oz polypropylene jar and cap. *TCLP requires minimum 125 grams. Trip Blanks are recommended. 28 days to analyze.

FOR EPA 537.1 MODIFIED NON-POTABLE WATER SAMPLES:

Three, TRIZMA preserved 250mL polypropylene containers with unlined plastic screw caps. Fill all 3 containers as full as possible without overfilling and cap.

Field Blank: One 250mL polypropylene container filled with PFAS Free DI water and (one) empty, TRIZMA preserved 250mL polypropylene container to transfer in the field. Pour the PFAS Free water from the full container into the empty TRIZMA preserved container and cap. 28 days to analyze.

FOR EPA 537.1 DRINKING WATER SAMPLES:

Three, TRIZMA preserved 250mL polypropylene containers with unlined plastic screw caps. Fill all 3 containers as full as possible without overfilling and cap.

Field Blank: One 250mL polypropylene container filled with PFAS Free DI water and (one) empty, TRIZMA preserved 250mL polypropylene container to transfer in the field. Pour the PFAS Free water from the full container into the empty TRIZMA preserved container and cap. 14 days to extract, 28 days to analyze.

All sample containers must be certified PFAS free. Sample jars can be requested at any time through our lab. Because of the high risk of contamination when sampling for PFAS, there are several guidelines one must follow when sampling. These guidelines can be found here, or by contacting us directly for further information. Compounds that are appropriately collected, preserved, shipped, and stored have stability for 28 days.

Resources

PFAS can be found in many materials used in field operations and also in the sampling equipment. This Michigan.Gov website can help you identify the materials and equipment that you can use and those that should be avoided.