PFAS Drinking Water Sample Cross-contamination Caused by Sampling?

Presented by Paul Jackson, Pace Analytical Services
Contact Information: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

PFAS are prevalent in numerous items used when taking samples for laboratory testing. This, coupled with the fact that laboratories calibrate instruments to detect PFAS in the single digit ppt range, has led to a great deal of concern about the potential for cross-contamination of samples caused by sampling. Numerous PFAS sampling SOPs call for significant measures not required when sampling for other contaminants, as well as more field QC samples. Is all this concern warranted? During this presentation attendees will learn about the incidence of cross-contamination that occurred in 2023 over a six-month period in drinking water samples taken from around the country. The data set is comprised of over 14,000 analytical results. Practices taken to mitigate cross-contamination will also be discussed.