December 2020 — Absolute Resource Associates of Portsmouth, NH has been awarded Primary Accreditation under the New Hampshire Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP) for testing PFAS by LC-MS/MS, using quantitation by isotope dilution. This method employs a solid phase extraction (SPE) followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for the determination of select per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in both potable and non-potable water matrices.
With this new certification, ARA is now able to offer analysis for both compliance drinking water samples by EPA Method 537.1, and matrices such as surface and groundwater using our approved isotope dilution method. While method 537.1 is used primarily for drinking water samples, the isotope dilution quantitation adds the ability to accommodate more complex sample matrix interferences. This isotope dilution methodology can be utilized when testing both potable and non-potable water.
Per–and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (aka PFAS, PFOA, PFOS, C-8, “Forever Chemicals”) are a group of manufactured compounds that have had many commercial applications. PFAS are ingredients in many Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) products used in firefighting and are also found in water and stain resistant clothing, carpeting, and furniture, as well as in some personal care products, food packaging, and non-stick cookware. The chemical characteristics that make PFAS compounds attractive for use also render them resistant to degradation in the environment. Initial studies indicate that PFAS can be found in the bloodstream of most mammals and can be harmful to human health. To learn more about PFAS and lab testing, visit PFASresource.com.
About Absolute Resource Associates:
Absolute Resource Associates is a Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB, WBE, NELAC, ISO/IEC 17025 and DoD ELAP accredited) providing a broad range of environmental services to clients throughout New England and beyond. Services include Environmental Laboratory Testing, Indoor Air Quality Services as well as Project Management. The principals and partners of ARA have been active in both the local and national environmental testing industry for decades. Their experience includes regulatory compliance, information management, quality assurance, operations, and technical expertise in the environmental industry.