PFAS and Emerging Contaminants Newsletter
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are recognized as persistent environmental contaminants with the potential for long-range transport across multiple media. While PFAS are traditionally associated with water and soil contamination, numerous studies underscore the significance of airborne transport and deposition, especially near industrial sources and incineration facilities. Hence, there is growing concern over their presence in air.
The occurrence and behavior of PFAS in ambient air and stack emissions, subsurface soil vapor, and biogas from landfills and anaerobic digesters pose unique sampling and analysis challenges. As such, PFAS air sampling and analytical techniques have been developed, and in some instances, continue to evolve.
USEPA has approved “Other Test Methods” (OTMs) for the determination of specific PFAS in emissions from industrial sources. USEPA OTM-45 outlines protocols for sampling and analyzing volatile and semi-volatile PFAS in stack emissions. USEPA OTM-50 describes an approach to sampling and analyzing PFAS from stationary sources using specially prepared canisters. SGS also offers high volume air sampling for fenceline monitoring and air deposition studies and is validating Methods for determining PFAS in indoor and ambient air using various sorbent media, depending on the application and target PFAS being investigated, are being developed and validated.
Each of these protocols has strengths, limitations, and in some instances complementary roles. Reach out to SGS’s PFAS and specialty testing experts to learn how these methods contribute to a more comprehensive air monitoring strategy for PFAS.
SGS Updates:
Catch our next webinar!
Don’t miss our upcoming webinar “Advanced PFAS Forensics with High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry”
Join our PFAS experts for a live webinar exploring how High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) delivers deeper insight into PFAS occurrence, transformation products, and source interpretation.
Date: March 5, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM ET
Click here to register!
US Policy News
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established protections for over-the-top (OTT) dicamba application on dicamba-tolerant cotton and soybean crops. This decision responds directly to the strong advocacy of America’s cotton and soybean farmers, particularly growers across the Cotton Belt, who have been clear and consistent about the critical challenges they face without access to this tool for controlling resistant weeds in their growing crops. Dicamba has already been on the market and available for sale and in wide, continuous use on farms across the United States regardless of and prior to today’s announcement, which is specifically focused on OTT application.
EPA Expands Toxic Chemical Reporting, Strengthening Transparency on PFAS Pollution
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a rule adding sodium perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS-Na) to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI). Under this rule, businesses in covered industries must begin tracking and reporting any use or release of PFHxS-Na, a well-studied PFAS chemical. The first reporting period began January 1, 2026 and the first reports will be due to EPA by July 1, 2027.
US News by State
National
EPA Highlights Year One PFAS Actions to Combat Risks
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin released a top list of actions the agency has taken in the first year of the Trump Administration to combat risks PFAS contamination. EPA is tackling PFAS contamination through better testing and detection, direct community support, enforcement, clear public education, commonsense regulation, and cutting-edge research.
Lower PFAs in pilot whales shows effectiveness of regulations
The study analyzed tissue samples from 1986 and 2023, and found a significant reduction in PFAS chemicals. Researchers say the findings show the efficacy of regulations and call for new legislation to limit the growing use of new PFAS.
Water sector weighs in on legal challenge to EPA PFAS rule
The American Water Works Association (AWWA) and the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA) are urging the D.C. Circuit Court to send EPA’s PFAS drinking water rule back to the agency for further consideration — but without vacating the regulation.
Ohio:
EPA begins cleanup at aquifer superfund site in Ohio
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said it will begin a soil cleanup at the East Troy contaminated aquifer site, and it’s expected to be finished by this summer. The EPA said the cleanup will address one of two areas it has identified as the source of volatile organic compound contamination at the site. The area is a 20-square block located along the western bank of the Great Miami River.
Kentucky
Louisville found PFAS in drinking water
Every day, the Ohio River sends billions of gallons of water flowing past Louisville’s pumping station, where the Kentucky city’s utility sucks it up to turn it into tap water. To ensure it tastes good and is safe to drink, a small team of scientists and technicians is constantly testing the water for pH, odors, heavy metals, and microbes. One type of PFAS that the Louisville water technicians are tracking is HFPO-DA, also known by a trade name, GenX.
Global News
UK launches plan to tackle ‘forever chemicals’ amid growing concerns
The UK is to increase testing for so-called “forever chemicals” in the environment as part of a national plan to tackle the substances, which have prompted environmental and health concerns.
Microplastics in UK seas could be double levels previously believed
Researchers have teamed up with rowers to monitor microplastic pollution around the UK coastline. Their findings are worrying. Microplastic particles around the UK coastline could be as much as double levels previously believed, according to the latest monitoring results.