Fast PFAS Lab Results at EMSL

PFAS Testing & Laboratory Analysis for Water, Soil

Category	Press Release
Publish Date	10/4/2026
Author	Joe Frasca
Title	Fast PFAS Lab Results at EMSL
Introduction	PFAS Testing of Soil, Water & Food Samples
PFAS Testing and Laboratory Analysis for Water, Soil and Environmental Samples PFAS testing provides critical information for identifying and measuring per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in drinking water, groundwater, wastewater, soil and other environmental samples. Organizations concerned about PFAS contamination need accurate laboratory analysis to evaluate environmental conditions, investigate potential sources and support regulatory, compliance and remediation programs. EMSL Analytical provides PFAS testing and laboratory analysis for a variety of environmental matrices. Our laboratory professionals can assist environmental consultants, water utilities, industrial facilities, property owners, government agencies and other organizations with PFAS analytical testing needs. PFAS compounds include PFOA, PFOS and numerous other fluorinated chemicals that have been used in industrial processes and consumer products for decades. Because many PFAS compounds can persist in the environment, testing has become increasingly important for evaluating water supplies, contaminated properties, wastewater, industrial sites and other areas of environmental concern. PFAS Laboratory Testing Services PFAS laboratory testing may be appropriate for a wide variety of environmental investigations and monitoring programs. Samples submitted for PFAS analysis may include: Drinking water Groundwater Surface water Wastewater Soil Sediment Biosolids Landfill leachate Other environmental matrices Selecting the appropriate analytical method depends on the sample matrix, regulatory program, project objectives and PFAS compounds of interest. PFAS Water Testing PFAS contamination of water has become an important environmental and public health issue across the United States. PFAS water testing can help determine whether specific PFAS compounds are present and quantify their concentrations. Testing may be performed on drinking water, private wells, groundwater, surface water, wastewater and other aqueous samples. PFAS water analysis may be useful for: Public drinking water systems Municipal water supplies Private wells Groundwater investigations Industrial wastewater Wastewater treatment facilities Environmental site assessments Remediation projects Landfills Military installations Airports Manufacturing facilities PFAS Drinking Water Testing EPA has developed analytical methods specifically for measuring PFAS in drinking water. EPA Method 533 uses solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for selected PFAS compounds in drinking water. EPA Method 537.1 is another EPA method for determining selected PFAS compounds in drinking water using solid-phase extraction and LC-MS/MS. EPA identifies Methods 533 and 537.1 as approved analytical methods for PFAS monitoring under applicable federal drinking-water requirements. Contact EMSL before sampling to determine the appropriate method, containers, preservation requirements and sampling instructions for your specific project. EPA Method 1633 / 1633A PFAS Testing For many environmental matrices beyond drinking water, EPA Method 1633/1633A is an important PFAS analytical method. EPA describes Method 1633A as an LC-MS/MS method capable of determining 40 PFAS compounds in matrices including: Wastewater Surface water Groundwater Soil Sediment Biosolids Landfill leachate Fish tissue The method was developed to provide a standardized approach for PFAS analysis across a broad range of environmental samples. PFOA and PFOS Testing Two of the best-known PFAS compounds are: PFOA – Perfluorooctanoic Acid PFOS – Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid Although PFOA and PFOS receive significant attention, PFAS testing frequently includes additional compounds because PFAS represents a large family of fluorinated chemicals. A properly selected analytical method can provide quantitative results for multiple PFAS compounds within the same sample. PFAS Groundwater Testing Groundwater testing is frequently performed during environmental investigations where historical industrial activity, chemical use or releases may have affected soil and groundwater. Potential applications for PFAS groundwater testing include: Environmental site investigations Brownfield properties Manufacturing facilities Airports and aviation facilities Fire-training areas Military installations Landfills Waste disposal sites Remediation monitoring Private wells near potential PFAS sources EPA Method 1633A includes groundwater among the environmental matrices for which the method can be used. PFAS Wastewater Testing Industrial and municipal facilities may require PFAS wastewater testing to characterize discharges, identify potential sources and support environmental compliance programs. PFAS can enter wastewater from numerous industrial and commercial processes. Testing influent, effluent and process water can help facilities better understand where PFAS may be entering or leaving their systems. EPA notes that drinking-water Methods 533 and 537.1 were developed for drinking water, whereas Method 1633 was specifically developed for wastewater and other environmental matrices. PFAS Soil Testing PFAS compounds released to the environment may migrate into soil and potentially move into groundwater or surface water. PFAS soil testing can be useful for: Contaminated property investigations Industrial sites Fire-training facilities Airports Landfills Former manufacturing properties Remediation projects Property redevelopment Environmental due diligence Laboratory analysis can help environmental professionals determine whether PFAS compounds are present and evaluate the extent of contamination. Where Can PFAS Contamination Come From? PFAS have historically been associated with many industrial applications and products because of their resistance to heat, water, grease and oil. Potential sources can include certain: Firefighting foams Industrial processes Metal finishing operations Chemical manufacturing operations Textile treatments Paper and packaging coatings Waste disposal facilities Landfills Wastewater treatment systems Fire-training facilities Determining whether a specific property or process could be a PFAS source often requires review of historical operations combined with environmental sampling and laboratory testing. Who Needs PFAS Testing? PFAS laboratory services may be needed by organizations including: Environmental consultants Engineering firms Drinking water utilities Municipalities Industrial manufacturers Wastewater treatment plants Landfills Property developers Remediation contractors Government agencies Military facilities Airports Attorneys and litigation consultants Environmental health and safety professionals Testing requirements can vary significantly depending on the state, sample matrix and purpose of the investigation. PFAS Sampling Requires Special Consideration PFAS sampling differs from many conventional environmental sampling programs because fluorinated materials may be present in common field equipment, clothing, packaging and consumer products. For this reason, laboratories and environmental professionals may establish specific PFAS sampling procedures designed to minimize potential cross-contamination. Before collecting samples, contact the laboratory for current guidance regarding: Sample containers Sample volume Preservation Holding times Field blanks Shipping requirements Acceptable sampling equipment Appropriate analytical methods Careful sample collection is an important part of obtaining defensible PFAS laboratory data. Why Choose EMSL for PFAS Testing? When PFAS contamination is a concern, selecting an experienced analytical laboratory is an important part of the investigation. EMSL Analytical provides laboratory testing services to environmental professionals, industrial clients, government agencies, water professionals and other organizations throughout the United States. Clients choose EMSL for access to: Experienced laboratory professionals Environmental analytical testing services PFAS analysis for multiple sample matrices Nationwide laboratory resources Sampling guidance and technical support Environmental testing expertise Convenient sample submission options Our team can help determine the appropriate analytical approach based on the matrix and project requirements. PFAS Testing Near Me Organizations searching for a PFAS testing laboratory near me can contact EMSL Analytical for assistance with sample submission and PFAS analysis. EMSL operates a nationwide network of laboratory locations and provides testing services to clients throughout the United States. Contact your nearest EMSL laboratory before collecting samples to confirm analytical requirements and obtain the appropriate PFAS sampling instructions and containers. Frequently Asked Questions About PFAS Testing What is PFAS testing? PFAS testing is laboratory analysis used to identify and quantify specific per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in water, soil and other environmental matrices. What does PFAS stand for? PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a large group of synthetic fluorinated chemicals. Can drinking water be tested for PFAS? Yes. Drinking water can be analyzed for selected PFAS compounds using laboratory methods developed by EPA, including EPA Methods 533 and 537.1. What laboratory method is used for PFAS testing? The appropriate method depends on the sample type and project requirements. EPA Methods 533 and 537.1 are associated with drinking-water analysis, while EPA Method 1633/1633A applies to a broader range of matrices, including wastewater, groundwater, soil, sediment and biosolids. Can groundwater be tested for PFAS? Yes. Groundwater can be analyzed for PFAS. The appropriate analytical method should be selected based on the purpose of the investigation and applicable regulatory requirements. Can soil be tested for PFAS? Yes. PFAS testing can be performed on soil as part of environmental investigations, remediation projects and contamination assessments. Can wastewater be tested for PFAS? Yes. EPA Method 1633/1633A was developed for PFAS analysis in wastewater and several other environmental matrices. Can EMSL test for PFOA and PFOS? Contact EMSL Analytical to discuss the PFAS compounds, sample matrix and analytical method required for your project. Request PFAS Testing If you need PFAS testing for drinking water, groundwater, wastewater, soil or other environmental samples, contact EMSL Analytical to discuss your project. Our laboratory team can assist with analytical method selection, sample requirements, containers and submission instructions. Contact EMSL Analytical today for PFAS testing and laboratory analysis at info@EMSL>com PFAS Testing \| PFOA Testing \| PFOS Testing \| PFAS Water Testing \| PFAS Soil Testing \| EPA Method 1633 \| EPA Method 533 \| EPA Method 537.1