PFAS Soil, Sediment & Biosolids Testing Laboratories
Solid matrices require extraction and clean-up before analysis, and matrix interference is far greater than in water, so PFAS results in soil, sediment and biosolids depend heavily on sample preparation.
What does it measure?
- Individual PFAS compound concentrations on a dry-weight basis
- Comparisons between depth intervals or across a site
- Concentrations in land-applied biosolids, sludge or compost
When is it used?
- Site investigation around fire-training areas, manufacturing sites and landfills
- Biosolids and residuals characterisation before land application
- Agricultural land assessment where biosolids were previously applied
- Remediation design, delineation and confirmation sampling
Sample considerations
- Solids need a larger sample mass than water; confirm the required mass with the laboratory before mobilising.
- Report moisture content or allow the laboratory to determine it so results can be expressed on a dry-weight basis.
- Homogenisation approach affects reproducibility for heterogeneous materials such as compost or sludge.
- Keep sampling equipment, liners and gloves consistent with the laboratory's PFAS field protocol.
Laboratories with relevant capabilities
- Chemtech-Ford Laboratories (Sandy, UT) — Environmental Testing, Water Testing, Soil Testing
Frequently asked questions
- Is soil PFAS analysis the same as water analysis?
- The instrumentation is similar but the preparation is not. Solids require extraction and clean-up steps that water samples do not, and reporting limits are usually higher.
- Do results need to be reported dry-weight?
- Most soil and biosolids programmes expect dry-weight reporting. Confirm the basis with the laboratory so results can be compared with any screening level you are working to.
Confirm standard edition, jurisdiction and actual laboratory scope. Service references are not partnerships or endorsements.