Capabilities › PFAS
PFAS Testing & Analysis
NATA accredited PFAS testing across soil, water, biota, blood and serum — including the Total Oxidisable Precursor Assay (TOPA) for precursor PFAS detection. Over 10 years of specialist PFAS expertise.
28+
PFAS compounds accredited
LC-MS/MS
Analytical method
TOPA
Early adopter
What is PFAS
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances
PFAS are a group of synthetic compounds manufactured commercially since the 1950s. Their carbon-fluorine bond — one of the strongest in chemistry — is what makes them so effective as industrial chemicals, and what makes them so persistent in the environment. They don't break down naturally, which is why they've earned the label "forever chemicals".
PFAS were widely used in consumer products (non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothing, food packaging) and industrial products — most significantly in Aqueous Film Forming Foams (AFFF) used in firefighting. Historical use at airports, military bases, fire training facilities, and industrial sites has resulted in widespread contamination of soil and groundwater.
- Over 4,000 PFAS compounds identified in scientific literature
- Key regulated compounds: PFOS, PFHxS, PFOA
- High environmental mobility — detected far from original source areas
- Bioaccumulate in living organisms and persist in ecosystems
- Subject to Australia's PFAS National Environmental Management Plan (NEMP)
Regulatory context: Australia's PFAS NEMP provides guidance on investigation, assessment, and management of PFAS contamination. If you're managing a site under NEMP requirements, contact us to discuss your testing program.
Our Method
LC-MS/MS Analysis
Envirolab analyses PFAS by liquid chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). This technology provides fast, sensitive, and accurate detection of PFAS across a wide range of sample matrices at trace-level concentrations — essential given the very low guideline values now in effect for drinking water and ecological monitoring under the PFAS NEMP.
We are NATA accredited for 28+ PFAS compounds including:
- Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid
- Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid
- Perfluorooctanoic acid
- Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid
- Fluorotelomer sulfonates
- Perfluorooctanesulfonamides / ethanols / acids
- + 22 additional compounds
TOPA
Total Oxidisable Precursor Assay (TOPA)
Standard PFAS analysis detects only the terminal, stable PFAS compounds. However, many samples also contain precursor PFAS — compounds that haven't yet converted to PFOS, PFHxS, or PFOA but will do so over time through chemical or biological transformation in the environment.
Envirolab was an early adopter of the Total Oxidisable Precursor Assay (TOPA), which oxidises precursor PFAS to their terminal forms before analysis — giving a more complete picture of total PFAS burden in a sample. This is particularly valuable for AFFF-impacted sites where precursor PFAS can make up a significant proportion of total contamination.
- Detects precursor PFAS not captured by standard targeted analysis
- Converts precursors to terminal PFAS via chemical oxidation prior to LC-MS/MS
- Particularly valuable for AFFF-impacted soils, groundwater and foam samples
- Helps assess total future PFAS loading at a site
When to use TOPA: Consider TOPA where AFFF use is confirmed or suspected, or where standard analysis underestimates contamination relative to field observations. Contact us to discuss whether TOPA is appropriate for your project.
Blood & Serum
PFAS in Blood & Serum
PFAS bioaccumulate in humans through dietary exposure, contaminated drinking water, and occupational contact. Blood and serum testing is used to assess the body burden of PFAS in individuals at risk of elevated exposure — including people living near contaminated sites, workers at AFFF-using facilities, and participants in public health studies.
- NATA accredited for PFAS in human blood and serum
- PFOS, PFHxS, PFOA and extended compound list
- Used in occupational health monitoring and community health assessments
- Chain of custody and clinically appropriate handling protocols
Firefighter PFAS Study: Envirolab Sydney supported a PFAS reduction study with the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service, investigating whether cholestyramine and plasma donation could lower PFAS levels in firefighters' blood. The study showed significant reductions in PFOS and PFHxS — providing promising evidence for potential treatment pathways.
BIOTA
PFAS in Biota
PFAS bioaccumulate and biomagnify in food chains — meaning organisms at higher trophic levels (including humans eating contaminated fish) can accumulate PFAS at concentrations far exceeding those in the surrounding environment. Biota testing is required for ecological risk assessment and is increasingly mandated near contaminated waterways and sediments.
- NATA accredited for PFAS in biota — fish, invertebrates, tissue samples
- Full range of targeted PFAS compounds
- Supports ecological risk assessment under PFAS NEMP
- Appropriate sub-sampling and homogenisation protocols for solid matrices
Sampling
Sampling & Holding Times
PFAS sampling requires specific containers and handling to avoid contamination and loss. Teflon-lined containers must not be used. Sample holding times vary by matrix — incorrect storage will compromise results.
Critical: Never use Teflon-lined containers for PFAS samples — PTFE (Teflon) contains PFAS and will contaminate your samples. Use polypropylene (PP) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) containers only.
Water standard / low level
2 × 60mL polypropylene bottles, no Teflon liner. Cool to <6°C. Holding time: 14 days (longer times reported in literature)
Water - Trace level
2 × 250mL polypropylene bottles, no Teflon liner. Cool to <6°C. Holding time: 28 days.
Soil
Minimum 20g in polypropylene jar. Cool to <6°C. Holding time: 60 days (std/low), 28 days (trace level).
Biota / Blood / Serum
Contact us for appropriate collection containers and chain of custody requirements before sampling.
Ready to get started?
Talk to our PFAS specialists about your testing requirements — including TOPA, biota, blood/serum, and multi-matrix programs.