This application note describes the process of quantifying per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water samples. PFAS in aqueous solutions reacts with the dye methylene blue to form a blue-colored ion pair which is then extracted into chloroform. Subsequently, the absorbance at 652 nm of the chloroform solution is measured with a UV Vis spectrophotometer.
The carbon-fluorine chemical bond in PFAS is one of the strongest. This means that PFAS degrades very slowly in the environment, which is why PFAS is commonly called the “forever chemical”. It contaminates the environment and can accumulate in the human body, which can cause a variety of health issues, including immune system impairment, kidney cancer, and liver damage.
Thus, it is essential to quantify the content of PFAS in different samples, such as water, air, and soil. The colorimetric content determination in aqueous solutions by UV Vis spectroscopy is one of the methods of choice.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used in many different products such as raincoats and cookware because of their special water- and oil-repellant and overall resistant properties. They can also be found in cleaning products, paints, stain- and water-resistant fabrics, fire-fighting foams, cookware and food packaging.
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