Development of Analytical Method for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Drinking Water

Abstract

We examined the analytical method for determining per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) like perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) in drinking water. Since some PFOS standards are liner and brunched isomers, it is important to understand the quality of the standard before analysis. Long-chain PFASs were adsorbed on polypropylene and polyethylene containers. The weak anion-exchange cartridge showed the best recovery ratio among the four cartridges investigated. The adsorption to the container and concentrator can be corrected by using internal standards. Recovery tests of 21 PFASs spiked into drinking water were performed with 1/10 of the target value (0.000005 mg/L). The accuracy and repeatability obtained from the recovery tests satisfied the criteria stipulated in the guideline for the validation of the testing method for drinking water. In addition, some PFASs including PFOS and PFOA were found in drinking water.