PFAS Testing for Soil, Sediment and Other Solids

PFAS contamination is a growing global concern, with increasing evidence of their presence in soil and sediment. Understanding the extent and nature of PFAS contamination in solid matrices like soil and sediment is crucial for environmental risk assessment, remediation efforts, and ensuring public health. At Alfa Chemistry, we specialize in comprehensive PFAS testing services for a wide range of solid samples, providing accurate and reliable data to help our clients navigate this complex environmental challenge.

Potential sources of PFAS in soil and sediment

PFAS contamination in soil and sediment originates from a variety of human activities and industrial practices that have occurred over decades. Key sources of PFAS contamination in soil and sediment include ^[1]:

• Aqueous Film-Forming Foams (AFFF): Used extensively for firefighting, particularly at military bases, airports, chemical plants, and training facilities. Residual PFAS from AFFF can seep into soils and migrate to sediments through surface runoff or infiltration.
• Industrial Emissions and Discharges: Facilities involved in the manufacture or use of fluorinated chemicals, coatings, textiles, and electronics may release PFAS into surrounding soils via air emissions, wastewater discharge, or accidental spills.
• Land Application of Biosolids and Sludge: Treated sewage sludge applied as fertilizer or soil conditioner can contain PFAS accumulated from domestic and industrial wastewater streams, introducing these substances into agricultural soils.
• Landfills and Waste Sites: Solid waste containing PFAS-bearing materials, such as treated textiles, carpets, food packaging, and industrial residues, can lead to leaching of PFAS into surrounding soil and sediment over time.
• Recycled Construction and Demolition Materials: Fill material or aggregate derived from contaminated sites or materials treated with PFAS-based products can inadvertently contribute to soil contamination.

Fig. 1. Potential sources of PFAS in soil and sediment.

By identifying and understanding these sources, our laboratory helps clients design targeted sampling plans and interpret data within the context of site history and potential contaminant pathways.

Types of solid matrices we test include, but are not limited to:

• Soils: from agricultural land, industrial sites, brownfields, and residential properties.
• Sediments: from rivers, lakes, estuaries, and wetlands.
• Construction and Demolition Waste: including recycled aggregate and fill materials.
• Landfill Materials: including solid waste and leachate-impacted solids.
• Ash and Incineration Residues

Our PFAS testing capabilities

Our laboratory provides comprehensive PFAS testing services for soil, sediment, and solid matrices, combining targeted compound analysis with advanced screening techniques. Our capabilities help clients gain a full understanding of PFAS contamination profiles and potential risks.

Target Analyte List

Total Oxidizable Precursor (TOP) Assay

Total Organic Fluorine (TOF) Analysis

Extractable Organic Fluorine (EOF) Testing

Our service supports a wide range of applications:

• Site investigation and risk assessment
• Remediation design and verification
• Waste classification and disposal planning
• Landfill monitoring
• Brownfield redevelopment
• Agricultural land management
• Litigation support and due diligence

We work closely with environmental consultants, industrial clients, government agencies, and academic researchers to deliver high-quality data tailored to their specific project needs.

Standards we test to

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Reference

• Ehsan M. N., et al. PFAS contamination in soil and sediment: Contribution of sources and environmental impacts on soil biota[J]. Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering, 2024, 9: 100643.