1166504 - We Know How to Determine PFAS in Water and Soil; What About Air?

This presentation will focus on the objectives and structure of a Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) testing/measurements of stack gases using EPA Other Test Method (OTM)-45 and the Montrose Air Quality Services (MAQS) Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for sampling PFAS in stack gas and the PFAS analyses of the stack gas and process samples using Enthalpy Analytical Laboratories (EAL) SOP that are both based on best practices approaches.

MAQS and EAL have supported demonstration testing to determine PFAS removal efficiencies during continuous and batch processes from PFAS-spiked solid materials. The primary objective of the demonstrations was to determine system removal efficiency (SRE) and destruction and removal efficiency (DRE). The SRE/DRE % were based on the analysis of PFAS content in the spiked solids materials and the sampling and analysis of PFAS in the stack gas. In addition, PFAS material balances around the processes were performed by collecting samples of various process streams downstream of the primary treatment component.

MAQS was involved due to expertise in sampling for complex compound matrices containing dioxin-like compounds and PFAS using EPA OTM-45, and Montrose-own EAL for expertise in PFAS analysis and method development in gaseous and process samples. Sampling and analyses procedures were augmented using SOPs developed by MAQS and EAL that are based on best practices approaches. The demonstration testing was conducted at both non-combustion and combustion facilities in the U.S.

The PFAS measurements of the stack gas were performed using OTM-45 and the MAQS SOP for sampling PFAS in stack gas, and the PFAS analyses of the stack gas and process samples were performed using EPA Method 537.1 and the EAL SOP. Both SOPs mirror the EPA methods and guidance to the extent practical but introduce additional measures designed to enhance the performances of the methods. In conclusion, limited results of the demonstration testing objectives will be discussed, as well the path forward for the advancement of the sampling and analysis SOPs methodologies and possible additional testing of other PFAS treatment facilities using the SOPs.