This study provides a comprehensive review of analytical methods used to detect per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water and evaluates their global occurrence in both tap and bottled water. It examines the challenges of quantifying PFAS at ultra-trace levels, including issues such as sample contamination, poor recovery, filtration loss, and sorption to containers. EPA and international regulatory limits on PFAS are reviewed, with attention to the difficulty of meeting newly updated advisory thresholds, particularly those from the U.S. EPA. Global occurrence data are compiled, revealing regional disparities in monitoring coverage and regulatory action. The study recommends expanding the scope of targeted PFAS compounds, standardizing analytical methods across laboratories, enhancing detection technologies such as solid-phase extraction and LC-MS/MS, and implementing stringent quality control measures to improve accuracy and comparability in PFAS monitoring efforts.
Author(s): Teymoorian, Termeh; Munoz, Gabriel; Duy, Sung V.; Liu, Jinxia; Sauvé, Sébastien
Published: 2023
Language: English
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Additional Information
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) used in various industrial applications are pollutants of concern for the environment and human health. Drinking water consumption is one key exposure pathway to PFAS, as recently highlighted by multiple studies on their occurrence in tap and bottled water worldwide. However, PFAS quantification at low part-per-trillion (ng/L) or part-per-quadrillion (pg/L) concentrations remains challenging. PFAS presence in blanks and incomplete method recoveries can lead to false positives or negatives; PFAS concentration changes under different storage durations or conditions can also affect accuracy and precision. Here, we review the most recent data related to analytical methods that were used in research articles for the detection and quantification of PFAS from drinking water. Commonly encountered pitfalls are summarized, and analytical performance is appraised including detection limits, recovery, matrix effects, and other quality assurance/quality control endpoints. In addition, we collated available guidelines for health advisory levels of PFAS in tap water. Finally, we compiled concentration data on legacy and emerging PFAS in tap and bottled water.