Determining the source of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the environment is complicated by their widespread use in consumer and industrial products and processes.

This new study, led by graduate student Ned Antell, examines how the total oxidizable precursor (TOP) assay, which indirectly quantifies difficult to measure PFAS species, can enhance our understanding of the chemical fingerprints associated with certain common PFAS emitters.

We found that using this simple assay, in combination with some common statistical techniques, can greatly improve our ability to discern sources of PFAS contamination. The techniques employed here were converted into a free online tool for public access.

Check it out here: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsestwater.3c00106