The objective for this proof-of-concept project is to develop and validate a low cost, rapid screening-level analytical technique for measuring per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in environmental samples. The technology is capable of measuring compound-specific PFAS (as opposed to a total PFAS test) in the parts per trillion range for water and parts per billion range for soil. The technology and associated methodology is anticipated to provide reliable and fast PFAS data, at reduced costs, to PFAS site investigation and remediation teams.

The research team will use the Acoustic Ejection Mass Spectrometry (MS) Technology, commonly referred to by its trade name Echo® MS, as the basis for developing and validating screening-level analytical methods for water and soil PFAS analyses. As part of development and validation, the research team will optimize the number of analytes, detection limits, and sample preparation and analyses. Once the method is validated and standard operating procedures are in place, a comparison study will be conducted to evaluate the performance against a definitive analytical procedure (i.e., U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] Draft Method 1633). In addition to comparing the accuracy and reliability of the screening method, the project deliverables will include a roadmap for combining screening and definitive methods to rapidly and cost-effectively characterize PFAS sites.

Conventional PFAS laboratory analysis is expensive and time consuming. Having an alternative method (such as the Echo® MS) that can be performed at a higher throughput rate is expected to reduce the laboratories’ workload and improve site characterization. In the overall site management strategy, application of dynamic, real-time methods consistent with the USEPA TRIAD approach will lead to total life cycle cost reductions that are many multiples of the cost of characterization, by reducing the duration of investigations, reducing permanent monitoring wells, and developing flux-based conceptual site models, which enable more reliable and focused restoration strategies. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2025)