Total Organofluorine (TOF) Test Methods
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TOF test methods analyze for total organoflourines in a sample. Pace® offers several different methods for different scenarios.
Why Test for TOF?
Current PFAS test methods can analyze for roughly 40 compounds. That’s less than 0.1% of the approximately 4,700 CAS-registered compounds classified as PFAS. Testing for total organoflourines can provide a more complete picture of PFAS contamination to support remediation and control efforts.
AOF/EOF
Matrices: Ground & Surface Waters, Wastewater, Leachate, Wastewater Sludge & Biosolids, Soil & Other Solids
Compounds: total fluorine content
AOF (Adsorbable organofluorine) is an evolving method for analyzing total organofluorine in a liquid matrix. The EPA is in the process of validating a test method for AOF, and Pace® was selected to support this method development effort. Similar to True-TOF, this method also uses C-IC instrumentation.
EOF (extractable organofluorine) EOF uses an extraction process but can be used with solid matrices like soil and sediment. Like AOF, a modification is required to remove the inorganic fluoride to ensure accuracy of results.
True-TOF®
Matrices: Ground & Surface Waters, Wastewater, Leachate, Wastewater Sludge & Biosolids, Soil & Other Solids, AFFF
Compounds: total organofluorine
Developed by Pace®, True-TOF quantifies the total organofluorine in a liquid sample without extraction to a carbon media. Without the need for extraction, True-TOF can be a more reliable test than other methods, such as AOF, because extraction efficiency concerns are not an issue. True-TOF is also a low volume test that only requires 10 mL of liquid matrix. True-TOF is one of the methods Pace® uses to analyze for total organofluorine in aqueous matrices. The technology used for this method is combustion-ion chromatography (C-IC) using a novel system where both the inorganic fluoride and total fluorine can be quantitated, the difference reported as True-TOF.
TOP Assay
Matrices: Ground & Surface Waters, Wastewater, Leachate, Wastewater Sludge & Biosolids, Soil & Other Solids, AFFF
Compounds: total PFAS, including PFAS precursors
PFAS precursors are a class of PFAS compounds that can degrade to terminal PFAS compounds (i.e., PFAAs) under the right environmental circumstances. TOP Assay oxidizes PFAS precursors, most of which are compounds not currently measured by targeted techniques, turning them into their terminal PFAS compounds that can then be measured. The increase in PFAS measured after the TOP Assay oxidation relative to pre-oxidation levels is a worst-case estimate of the total concentration of PFAS precursors present in a sample. PFAS analysis by TOP Assay is particularly useful in forensic studies designed to identify the source of elevated PFAS levels in all matrices.
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.
