PFAS in drinking water
Organic Chemistry offers analytical tests for surveillance of a wide range of perfluorinated carboxylic acids, perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids, fluorotelomer sulfonic acids, perfluorooctane sulphonamides, perfluorooctane sulphonamidoacetic acid, perfluorooctane sulfonamide ethanols, per- and polyfluoroether carboxylic acids, ether sulfonic acids and fluorotelomer carboxylic acids in surface, ground, and drinking water.
Our expert team provides outstanding service delivery in providing leading-edge analysis using state of the art instrumentation by LCMSMS and LC-HRMS.
Our method is based on EPA method 1633. We also have PFAS methods to analyse for other matrices like soil, biota including seafood and vegetation, blood, compost and biosolids.
Our method can achieve limits of reporting below the lowest of any global PFAS regulatory guidelines.
Our staff have expertise in the interpretation of analytical tests and can provide method research and development.
Why monitor PFAS in drinking water?
Monitoring PFAS in water is critical due to their potential health and environmental hazards. They are called forever chemicals because they don’t break down in the environment and can bioaccumulate over time. They are synthetic chemicals used in consumer products for their water- and grease-resistant properties.
Current scientific research suggests that exposure to certain PFAS may lead to adverse health outcomes. Internationally, research is being undertaken to determine how different levels of exposure might lead to a variety of health effects.
Current Australian guidelines are set by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) in the Australia Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG 2011).
Sampling requirements
To ensure accuracy of results, it is recommended that you use sample containers and preservatives provided by our laboratory.
Contact us for sample container and preservative request forms.
To send samples for testing to the Public Health Laboratory you will need a completed sample submission form (XLSX 74 kB).
| Test code | Volume | Container | Preservative | Storage | Holding |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KEPFW | 3 x 250mL | HDPE | Trizma buffer (1.25g per 250mL of sample) | <6 C (fridge) | 28 days |
Samples should be shipped with sufficient ice to maintain temperature—avoid blue ice.
Note: The following are known sources of contamination. Avoid the following:
- New clothing (stain resistant, waterproof)
- Tyvek clothing
- Fast food wrappers and containers
- Pre-wrapped food and snacks
- Teflon or coated equipment (e.g. PTFE septa)
- Teflon lined lids
- Aluminium foil (coated with perfluorinated compounds)
- Self-sticking notes.
PFAS testing suite
Need more information?
To discuss your needs or to request a quote, Contact Public and Environmental Health, Organic Chemistry:
Extraction and sample preparation
Scott Turner
Phone: (07) 3096 2853
Email: Scott.Turner2@health.qld.gov.au
Soony Mackay
Phone: (07) 3096 2848
Email: Soon-chee.Chan@health.qld.gov.au
Instrument analysis
Martie du Plessis
Phone: (07) 3096 2846
Email: Martha.duplessis@health.qld.gov.au
Steve Carter
Phone: (07) 3096 2846
Email: Steve.Carter@health.qld.gov.au
Useful links
- NHMRC. Australian Drinking Water Guidelines - Public Consultation on Draft Guidance for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) - NHMRC consultation hub - Citizen Space
- PFAS Technical and Regulatory Guidance Document
- Queensland Government. Per- and poly- fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) factsheet
- Australian Government, Department of Health and Aged Care. enHealth fact sheet on Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
- United States Environmental Protection Agency. Method 1633, Analysis of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Aqueous, Solid, Biosolids and Tissues samples by LC-MS/MS.
- United States Environmental Protection Agency. Our current understanding of the human health and environmental risks of PFAS