The Department of Defense's (DoD's) Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) and the Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP) in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released the Final Reports presenting the results of a multi-laboratory validation study (MLVS) designed to validate EPA Draft Method 1633 for analysis of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in soils, sediments, landfill leachate, biosolids, and tissues. With the completion of this study, scientists now have a validated method for sampling PFAS across several critical environmental matrices.

The primary objectives of the MLVS were to (1) evaluate the robustness of EPA Draft Method 1633 when performed by suitable laboratories using similar instrumentation, and (2) provide information on the range of precision and accuracy of quantitation that is achievable by suitable laboratories. This was achieved by sending eight (landfill leachate and biosolids) and ten (soils and sediments, tissue) PFAS-spiked environmental samples for analysis to commercial and State laboratories for analysis by EPA draft Method 1633. Briefly, environmental samples of each matrix type were sent to each laboratory as an unspiked (or "native") sample, three replicates at a low spike concentration, and three replicates at a high spike concentration. The data from the laboratories were reviewed for compliance with requirements and, if deemed error free, aggregated for statistical analyses and derivation of quality control acceptance criteria reflecting method performance in real-world situations. The results of this study will be used to modify the draft method into its final form and establish quality control criteria to be used going forward.

These reports present the results for soils and sediments (Volume II); landfill leachates and biosolids (Volume III), and tissues (Volume IV). The first volume, released in July, covered wastewater, surface water, and groundwater matrices. This study was funded by SERDP and ESTCP and conducted as a joint effort with the EPA.

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About SERDP & ESTCP

The Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) and the Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP) harness the latest science and technology to improve the Department of Defense’s environmental performance, reduce costs, and enhance and sustain mission capabilities. The programs respond to energy and environmental technology requirements across the military services. SERDP and ESTCP are independent DoD programs managed jointly to coordinate the full spectrum of research and development efforts, from the laboratory to field demonstration and validation. For more information, visit https://www.serdp-estcp.mil. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.