Detecting PFAS Through Total Fluorine Content: The Power of Combustion Ion Chromatography

Many everyday consumer products contain harmful chemicals known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). Dubbed “forever chemicals” due to their extreme resistance to chemical breakdown, PFAS are both incredibly useful and notoriously difficult to detect, isolate, and quantify. Their persistence in the environment and potential health risks have led to growing concerns and increased regulatory scrutiny.

One of the most effective ways to estimate PFAS presence in a material is by measuring its total organic fluorine content. Since fluorine is a fundamental component of PFAS compounds, total organic fluorine analysis provides a reliable screening method for potential contamination. Combustion ion chromatography is a key technique for this analysis, allowing scientists to quantify fluorine levels and assess overall PFAS content.

Detecting PFAS Through Total Fluorine Analysis

Combustion ion chromatography works by combusting a sample in an enclosed vessel above a sodium hydroxide solution. As the sample burns, fluorine ions from PFAS compounds are released and sequestered into the solution. The solution is then analyzed using ion chromatography to determine fluoride ion concentration. By controlling the sample weight, scientists can estimate the total fluorine content, offering insight into the material’s potential PFAS contamination.

PFAS Testing in Consumer Products

To evaluate the presence of PFAS in everyday items, our team conducted total fluorine analysis via combustion ion chromatography on two common consumer products: a generic resealable plastic food storage bag and a generic bandage. Approximately 0.2 grams of each sample were combusted in a Parr Oxygen combustion vessel, and the resulting solution was analyzed using a Dionex ICS-2000 ion chromatography system.

Test Results:

• Generic resealable food storage bag: 1,875 parts per million (ppm) of total organic fluoride
• Generic bandage: 3,413 ppm of total organic fluoride

These findings highlight the effectiveness of total fluorine content analysis in screening consumer products for PFAS compounds. By measuring total organic fluorine, manufacturers, regulators, and consumers can gain a clearer understanding of potential PFAS contamination in various materials. With growing awareness of PFAS contamination in food packaging, medical supplies, and even drinking water, rapid and reliable testing methods like this are crucial.

For a deeper dive into PFAS detection and quantification using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), check out our blog post: Unlocking the Potential of GC-MS for PFAS Detection: A Focus on PFOA Quantification.

If you’re interested in screening your own products for total fluorine content and potential PFAS contamination, contact us at 763-231-0150 or request a quote.