PFAS Forensic Tools: TOP, BLT, Non-Target Analysis (NTA) & TOF, Part 4

As the investigation of sites contaminated with PFAS matures, and the prevalence of PFAS in the environment unfolds, there is a growing interest in identifying specific sources and their contribution to the contamination.

While current analytical methodologies can detect approximately 100 discrete PFAS compounds, many remain undetectable by conventional commercial methods, necessitating advanced non-targeted analytical approaches to strengthen the multiple lines of evidence approach commonly relied upon in forensic investigations.

A forensic investigation is multi-faceted, relying often on historical and publicly available records, traditional conceptual site models, chemical forensic tools, and a myriad of data analytics.

Holistic PFAS forensic investigations integrate historical and publicly available records, conceptual site modeling, chemical forensic tools, and sophisticated data analytics. Eurofins has developed several advanced chemical forensic techniques that enhance both forensic applications and site assessments. These approaches, including expanded analyte lists, Total Oxidizable Precursor (TOP) Assay, branched and linear isomer profiling (BLT), Non-Target Analysis (NTA), and in select cases, Total Organic Fluorine (TOF), provide crucial insights into PFAS contamination sources at specific sites.

Topics the Presentation Will Cover Include:

• What does a PFAS Forensics Investigation entail?
• What kind of forensic information can be derived from these tools?
• What is TOP Assay, how does it work and what do the results mean?
• What is Combustion Ion Chromatography (CIC) and what are AOF, EOF and TF?
• What is non-Target Analysis (NTA) and how can it be applied?
• What are the advantages and limitations of these techniques?

Airdate: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 - 1:30 PM ET
 
Length: 60 minutes 

Presenter: Taryn McKnight - Eurofins Environment Testing