The overall objective of this project is to produce reliable measurements and model predictions of physical-chemical properties (PChPs) of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) for a better understanding of their environmental fate and transport. This project will establish air sampling and analysis methods for measuring gas-phase PFAS under different test conditions.

Air sampling and analytical methods will be developed to measure PChPs of four PFAS: N-methyl perfluorooctane sulfonamido ethanol, N-ethyl perfluorooctane sulfonamido ethanol, N-methyl perfluorooctane sulfonamide, and N-ethyl perfluorooctane sulfonamide. This includes a sorbent tube air sampler coupled with a thermal desorption - gas chromatography (GC) - tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and a solid phase extraction air sampling coupled with a GC-MS/MS method.

This research is a foundation for the future work of systematically measuring and predicting the PChPs of PFAS. The research results will provide air sampling and analytical methodologies for filling a critical knowledge gap in PFAS exposure assessments by providing methods and key parameters for the development of predictive quantitative structure–activity relationship models and mass transfer models that can be used to predict fate and transport of PFAS in environmental systems. Successful completion of this proof-of-concept effort will ultimately lead to more cost-effective PFAS management, directly benefiting the warfighter and installation communities. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2027)