EPA Publishes Method 1633 to Test for 40 PFAS Compounds in Eight Media Types
On September 2, 2021, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in collaboration with the US Department of Defense (DoD), published a draft of the first EPA-validated laboratory analytical method to test for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in eight media types. Previously, other approved methods included the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) methods for drinking water and non-potable water, respectively.
Prior to the validation of Method 1633, laboratories had been using a modified version of the SDWA Method or other in-house, non‑standard laboratory methods to analyze for PFAS in various media using isotope dilution. Method 1633 has been validated to test for 40 PFAS in wastewater, surface water, groundwater, soil, biosolids, sediment, landfill leachate, and fish tissue utilizing isotope dilution to achieve lower reporting limits and reduce matrix-influenced bias.
EPA and DoD will work to complete a multi-laboratory validation study of this method in 2022, in collaboration with the Office of Water and the Office of Land and Emergency Management. Once the multi-laboratory validation study is complete, the method will be finalized. In the interim, EPA is encouraging laboratories, regulatory authorities, and other interested parties to begin to use this draft method for analyzing PFAS. Apex is currently evaluating this method for use on current projects and will partner with laboratories on implementation.
The full press release can be found on the EPA’s website.
Apex Associated Press (Apex AP) represents contributions from various authors within the Apex professional community.
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