Total PFAS Screening

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large family of manufactured chemicals widely used for their resistance to heat, water, oil, and stains. Their environmental persistence and potential accumulation in water, soil, and living organisms create significant challenges for environmental monitoring and water quality management.

Aqua Science is advancing rapid PFAS screening technology designed to help environmental professionals identify potential contamination hotspots and prioritize samples for further laboratory investigation. This practical approach supports earlier assessments, more informed decisions, and efficient allocation of analytical resources.

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technology uses antibody recognition and enzyme-generated signals to detect target substances in environmental samples. In a typical competitive ELISA, higher target concentrations produce lower color signals, which are measured using a compatible plate reader and compared against calibration standards.

Aqua Science’s NSF-supported PFAS development program builds on earlier research targeting PFOA and PFOS. The initiative aims to complement laboratory-based PFAS analysis with a practical screening method, helping laboratories assess potential contamination and determine which samples require additional testing.

Plate-based ELISA testing allows laboratories to process multiple samples within a coordinated analytical workflow. A standard 96-well plate accommodates prepared samples, calibration standards, blanks, and quality controls, supporting organized batch processing and consistent evaluation of screening results.

This approach offers the potential to reduce initial assessment times and screening costs per sample, depending on batch size and preparation requirements. By comparing results across multiple sampling locations, environmental teams can identify areas of concern, prioritize additional sampling, and direct laboratory resources toward samples requiring confirmatory analysis.

PFAS screening can support a wide range of environmental applications, including source-water investigations, environmental site assessments, sampling location prioritization, and remediation or treatment studies. Rapid screening provides valuable preliminary information to guide environmental investigations and improve sampling strategies.

Because PFAS include thousands of different compounds, screening results must be interpreted with consideration of assay sensitivity, antibody cross-reactivity, and sample characteristics. ELISA screening does not automatically represent total PFAS concentrations or replace compound-specific laboratory analysis. Confirmatory methods remain essential for regulatory compliance and detailed contamination assessment.