PFAS IN SOILS & OTHER SOLIDS
Home / PFAS Matrices / PFAS in Soils & Other Solids
Pace® works with industry and local leaders to help protect their communities with advanced PFAS testing services for soil and a wide range of other solids.
THE SOURCE OF PFAS IN SOIL
Soil can become contaminated with PFAS in a variety of ways, such as wastewater discharge, biosolids, incinerator ash, and more. Through plant uptake, this PFAS can travel to the food we eat. Drinking water sources can also be contaminated through runoff into local waterways and seepage into underground aquifers.
EPA IMPLEMENTS POLLUTER PAYS PRINCIPLES
While the EPA does not target PFAS in soil as aggressively as in drinking water, the agency is well-aware of the impact on soil from sources like wastewater discharge, landfill leachate, and surface runoff. Congress has granted them enforcement authority under programs like RCRA, TSCA, CWS, SDWA, and CERCLA, to investigate the release of PFAS into the environment – past and present – and to hold polluters accountable for cleanup and remediation.
STATES GET AGGRESSIVE WITH PFAS POLLUTERS
Many states are promising action against PFAS polluters as well. For example, Washington State has already declared PFAS a hazardous substance under its Model Toxics Control Act. This state law gives the WA Department of Ecology the authority to assess sites suspected of being contaminated with PFAS and to issue remediation and clean-up orders.
REQUEST A PFAS BRIEFING FOR YOUR STATE
Pace® offers PFAS testing services across the country through its nationwide network of certified and accredited labs. Our experts can bring your compliance and risk-management teams up to speed quickly on current and pending PFAS action in your area.PRIMARY PFAS TEST METHODS FOR SOIL & OTHER SOLIDS
Multiple test methods can be used to analyze for PFAS in soil and other solids. If you’re complying with state sampling mandates, always check to see if a specific test method is required in your state.
PFAS by Isotope Dilution
Pace® method for targeted PFAS
DOD QSM v5.3; v5.4
Quality control standards for PFAS testing
EPA SW-846 Method 8327
Recently developed method for targeted PFAS
EPA Draft Method 1633
Under development. Targets additional PFAS
True-TOF®
Low-volume test method for total organofluorines (TOF)
Adsorbable Organoflourines (AOF)
Less costly, but less-precise method for analyzing for TOF
TOP Assay
Method for analyzing PFAS precursors in a liquid matrix
SPECIALTY TESTING SERVICES FOR PFAS IN SOLIDS
Remediating PFAS in soil often requires locating the source of that PFAS. Pace® has developed testing methods and protocols for analyzing PFAS across several vectors of contamination.
AFFF
Used to fight chemical and aviation fires
Biosolids
Land-applied as fertilizer
Incinerator ash
For particles of incomplete combustion (PICs)
Leachate
From unlined or aging landfill
Stack emissions
From incinerators and industry
REASONS TO CHOOSE PACE®
EXPERIENCED
Pace® has been an industry leader in persistent organic pollutant testing for over three decades.
CERTIFIED
We’re certified/accredited by NELAC, ISO, DOD, DOE, and in every state with a PFAS lab certification program.
RELIABLE
For emergencies, our Rapid Response Team can provide defensible results in as little as 24 hours.
COMMITTED
We are committed to helping our customers advance their important work through building strong relationships, delivering upon expectations, and providing exceptional customer service.
ADVANCED
We can test for PFAS in both solid and aqueous matrices, including potable and non-potable waters, soils, and biota.
INNOVATIVE
We’re on the leading edge of science, working with EPA, DOD, ASTM, and others to develop new methods for analyzing PFAS.
