Analysis of PFAS in Wastewater Based on ISO 21675 Using Triple Quadrupole LC/MS/MS

User Benefits

- Based on ISO 21675, 30 PFAS can be analyzed in various water samples, including short-chain PFAS with 4 carbon atoms and long-chain PFAS with 16 and 18 carbon atoms. - Accurate measurements are possible even in low concentration spiking recovery tests using ultrapure water and wastewater.

Introduction

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of over 10,000 chemical compounds that are mainly composed of a carbon chain and fluorine atoms. The characteristics of PFAS depend on the carbon chain length and attached functional groups, though excellent water and oil-repelling properties and heat and chemical stability of some PFAS have led to them being used in a wide range of consumer products and industrial applications. However, their exceptional stability also makes them resistant to degradation. Concerns over the persistence of PFAS in the environment and their toxicity to organisms have led to stricter regulations globally and the development of various analytical methods to determine PFAS levels. ISO 21675 is an international standard for determining PFAS in water samples that was drafted by the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) and then developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Method 1633 targets PFAS with 4 to 14 carbons in water samples, while ISO 21675 includes additional long-chain PFAS with 16 and 18 carbons, which are not covered by EPA Method 1633. ISO 21675 enables the simultaneous analysis of 30 short- to long-chain PFAS using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). This article describes the results of PFAS analysis in industrial wastewater conducted using the LCMS-8060RX based on ISO 21675.

September 30, 2025 GMT