National Measurement Institute

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances

We can detect PFAS and their related precursors in water, soil and biota. Our methods can achieve low limits of reporting with rapid turnaround times.

PFAS in humans, animals and the environment

Per- and poly- fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of chemicals that have been widely used in industry since the 1950s.

PFAS include chemicals such as:

  • perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) 
  • perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). 

PFAS have been used in the manufacture of:

  • non-stick cookware
  • fabric
  • furniture and carpet stain protection applications
  • food packaging
  • industrial processes
  • fire-fighting foam. 

Many PFAS can persist in humans, animals and the environment. 

There has been no consistent evidence that PFAS causes adverse human health effects. However, experts recommend only minimal exposure as a precaution. 

To help minimise this risk, we can routinely perform robust and high-quality testing of common PFAS contaminants.

Our accreditations to test for PFAS

As Australia’s peak measurement body, the National Measurement Institute (NMI) can provide world-class environmental measurement services and solutions. With our state-of-the-art laboratories we can help you meet your regulatory and quality requirements.

We offer National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accredited analytical testing services for a comprehensive range of PFAS chemicals.

We meet QSM 5.2: Quality control requirements for PFAS analyses.

Our PFAS testing method is based on:

  • USEPA 537 Determination of Selected Perfluorinated Alkyl Acids in Drinking Water by SPE and LC/MS/MS
  • USEPA Draft Method 821-R-11-007 utilising solid phase extraction (for water) and LC-MSMS detection.

This method is NATA accredited for biosolids, soil and water samples. 

Our testing service

Capabilities

  • Advanced liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) instrumentation for PFAS analysis and research
  • NATA accreditation for testing common PFAS in soil and water matrices
  • Highly skilled and experienced staff 
  • Rapid turnaround times
  • ISO 17043 accreditation for an ongoing international proficiency testing program of PFAS in soil, water and biota
  • Regular participation in international proficiency testing to benchmark our analytical performance in testing at ultra-trace levels
  • Expertise and knowledge gained through collaborative research projects with prominent universities and other research institutes.

Reporting

PFAS can consist of linear and branched isomers. PFOS and PFHxS isomers using a traceable mixed linear branched standard are report as totals. All other PFAS isomers are quantified using traceable linear standards and reported as totals.

If requested, we can provide lower limits of reporting for water samples than displayed in the table.

Our testing services and limits of reporting

We can provide lower limits of reporting for water samples on request.

Analyte Name Abbreviation Water (μg/L)  Soil(mg/kg) Biota(mg/kg) Biosolids(mg/kg)
Perfluorobutanoic acid PFBA 0.05 0.002 0.001 0.01
Perfluoropentanoic acid PFPeA 0.02 0.002 0.0005 0.005
Perfluorohexanoic acid PFHxA 0.01 0.001 0.0005 0.005
Perfluoroheptanoic acid PFHpA 0.01 0.001 0.0005 0.005
Perfluorooctanoic acid PFOA 0.01 0.001 0.0003 0.005
Perfluorononanoic acid PFNA 0.01 0.001 0.0005 0.005
Perfluorodecanoic acid PFDA 0.01 0.001 0.0005 0.005
Perfluoroundecanoic acid PFUnDA 0.01 0.002 0.0005 0.005
Perfluorododecanoic acid PFDoDA 0.01 0.002 0.0005 0.005
Perfluorotridecanoic acid PFTrDA 0.02 0.002 - 0.005
Perfluorotetradecanoic acid PFTeDA 0.02 0.002 - 0.005
Perfluorobutane sulfonic acid PFBS 0.01 0.001 0.0005 0.005
Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid PFHxS 0.01 0.001 0.0005 0.005
Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid PFOS 0.02 0.002 0.0003 0.005
Perfluorodecane sulfonic acid PFDS 0.01 0.001 - 0.005
6:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonic acid 6:2 FTS 0.01 0.001 0.0005 0.005
8:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonic acid 8:2 FTS 0.01 0.001 0.0005 0.005
Perfluorooctane sulfonamide PFOSA 0.01 0.001 - 0.005
Perfluorohexadecanoic acid PFHxDA 0.02 0.002 - 0.005
Perfluorooctadecanoic acid PFODA 0.05 0.005 - 0.02
2H-Perfluoro-2-decenoic acid(8:2) FOUEA 0.01 0.001 - 0.005
Perfluoropentane sulfonic acid PFPeS 0.01 0.001 - 0.005
Perfluoroheptane sulfonic acid PFHpS 0.01 0.001 - 0.005
Perfluorononanesulfonic acid PFNS 0.01 0.001 - 0.005
N-Methyl perfluorooctane sulfonamide N-MeFOSA 0.02 0.002 - 0.005
N-Ethyl perfluorooctane sulfonamide N-EtFOSA 0.02 0.002 - 0.005
N-Methyl perfluorooctane sulfonamidoacetic acid N-MeFOSAA 0.01 0.002 - 0.005
N-Ethyl perfluorooctane sulfonamidoacetic acid N-EtFOSAA 0.01 0.002 - 0.005
N-Methyl perfluorooctane sulfonamidoethanol N-MeFOSE 0.05 0.005 - 0.01
N-Ethyl perfluorooctane sulfonamidoethanol N-EtFOSE 0.05 0.005 - 0.01
# 4:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonic acid 4:2 FTS 0.01 0.001 - 0.005
# 10:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonic acid 10:2 FTS 0.01 0.002 - 0.01
# 8:2 polyfluoroalkyl phosphate diester 8:2 diPAP 0.02 0.002 - 0.01

How to request a service from NMI

Read the steps to request an environmental testing and analytical service. Ensure you understand how to send samples from in Australia or from overseas.

Requesting and submitting environmental testing samples

Learn how to request an environmental testing and analytical service and how to send samples from in Australia or from overseas.

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