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Under the Clean Water Act (CWA), the EPA is authorized to set limits and monitoring/reporting requirements for PFAS in biosolids if there is a sufficient evidence of harm to human health or the environment. The agency’s 2021-2024 Strategic Plan calls for finalizing a risk assessment for PFOA and PFOS by winter 2024, paving the way for future rulemaking.
Concurrently, the EPA is collaborating with the DOD to finalize a multi-lab validated method capable of analyzing for 40 PFAS compounds in biosolids. Following publication, the agency will initiate rulemaking to promulgate this method under the CWA. (Expected fall 2022)
States are starting to reexamine the practice of using biosolids produced by wastewater treatment as a cheap fertilizer, thanks to PFAS being found in wastewater sludge and/or agricultural products like milk and eggs. Unfortunately, the alternative to land-application is often to send biosolids to a municipal landfill where they can contribute to PFAS contamination through leachate. The EPA plans to issue updated guidance to states on disposal of PFAS and materials that contain PFAS by fall of 2023.
Though testing biosolids for PFAS is a newer challenge for the industry, several test methods can be deployed by an experienced lab partner. Pace® can help you select the right method based on your project parameters.
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)
Screening method used to quantify TOF at the ppb level in aqueous matrices
Method for analyzing PFAS precursors in a liquid matrix
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We can test for PFAS in both solid and aqueous matrices, including potable and non-potable waters, soils, and biota.
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