Home / PFAS Matrices / PFAS in Soils & Other Solids
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pace® method for targeted PFAS
Quality control standards for PFAS testing
Recently developed method for targeted PFAS
Under development. Targets additional PFAS
Low-volume test method for total organofluorines (TOF)
Less costly, but less-precise method for analyzing for TOF
Method for analyzing PFAS precursors in a liquid matrix
Download our PFAS Sampling Guide for PFAS test method details including:
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.
Used to fight chemical and aviation fires
Land-applied as fertilizer
For particles of incomplete combustion (PICs)
From unlined or aging landfill
From incinerators and industry
We’re certified/accredited by NELAC, ISO, DOD, DOE, and in every state with a PFAS lab certification program.
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We can test for PFAS in both solid and aqueous matrices, including potable and non-potable waters, soils, and biota.
We’re on the leading edge of science, working with EPA, DOD, ASTM, and others to develop new methods for analyzing PFAS.