PFAS Forensics

LC-MS/MS (Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry)

Ideal for quantifying known PFAS compounds in environmental samples. We can quantitate up to 90 PFAS, ever growing, for PFAS concentration data to inform forensics investigations.

TOP Assay (Total Oxidizable Precursor Assay)

Converts PFAS precursors into measurable terminal compounds to assess total PFAS burden. The TOP assay can provide valuable insights into the types of precursors present at a site and chain length, adding a valuable line of evidence

Branched versus linear isomers

The presence of branched isomers of PFOS, PFOA and some precursors, especially sulfonamides indicates that the PFAS at the site was the result of the electrochemical fluorination (ECF) manufacturing process, which provides insights into the source of PFAS. In addition, tracking extent of branched PFAS along a plume can provide interesting information on source location, as linear isomers transport at different rates than branched isomers. SGS provides options to assess branched and linear PFAS content for PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, PFNA and several legacy sulfonamides such as NetFOSAA, NMeFOSAA and others.

HRMS (High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry)

Our new high resolution mass spectrometry platform leverages our decades of experience in specialty testing and our insistence on quality to bring you the highest-quality suspect screening and non-target analysis. Using best practices from groups such as BP4NTA, our methods utilize the full suite of labeled and unlabelled PFAS to provide high quality Schymanski Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 reports for non-target PFAS. These methods are available both with an EPA 1633 workflow and using direct injection.

More PFAS Services

Understanding the Need for PFAS Forensics

  • Whose PFAS is it? The complexity of PFAS mixtures demands advanced analytical tools to detect both known and unknown PFAS
  • Forensic analysis is essential to trace contamination sources, support remediation, and provide defensible data for litigation.
  • In addition to critical information on site history, hydrogeology and source identification, testing provides multiple lines on types of PFAS present, and concentrations enabling source identification and differentiation
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Why SGS for PFAS?

  • As leaders in PFAS testing with more than 20 years of PFAS testing experience, we support multiple tools for PFAS forensics including targeted analysis, TOP assay, high resolution mass spectrometry and more.
  • Low reporting limits and high data quality means our data is ready for mission critical forensics and litigation support
  • Our people: Forensics projects can require sophisticated customizations. The deep stable of MS and PhD scientists on our team means we are not just a testing provider, we are a partner in your forensics project

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