Laboratory Experiences with Managing PFAS Field Reagent Blanks

Presented by Yongtao (Bruce) Li, Eurofins Eaton Analytical
Contact Information: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Robust and accurate methods for detecting and measuring The widespread use of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the environment are essential for understanding PFAS occurrence. Due to various concerns of potential PFAS contamination, some analytical methods (e.g., EPA 533 and EPA 537.1) require collecting a field reagent blank (FRB) along with field samples collected at the same sampling site. The FRB is treated as a sample in all aspects, including shipment to the sample site, exposure to sampling site conditions, storage, and all analytical procedures. The purpose of the FRB is to determine if method analytes or other interferences are introduced into the sample from shipping, sampling, storage, or the field environment. However, sampling and analyzing FRBs also increases analytical costs and potentially affects the turn-around time of sample results. This work will present 20 years of our laboratory experiences with analyzing FRBs in water samples and covers the period ranging from pre-UCMR3 to the current UCMR5. The presentation will primarily focus on observations and perspectives associated with running EPA Methods 537, 537.1, and 533. The contents will include, but are not limited to the following: 1) the frequency of FRBs generally required due to positive sample detections, which will help investigate the importance of analyzing FRBs for PFAS contamination; 2) the percentage estimates of FRB failures due to being greater than 1/3 the MRL, which will address whether or not FRB contamination is a growing global issue to control; 3) reasons for common FRB failures and suggestions for precautions required for sampling and laboratory processes to minimize false positive results; and 4) our current laboratory workflow for managing FRBs in the most expeditious and cost-effective manner.