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PFAS analysis compatible with U.S. EPA Methods 533, 531.7, 1621, and 1633
Rice University’s WaTER Institute (RWI) houses state-of-the-art analytical facilities specifically for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) research, fully compatible with U.S. EPA Methods 533, 531.7, 1621, and 1633. RWI operates a suite of liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC/MS) instruments, including a triple quadrupole LC-MS capable of detecting targeted PFAS in aqueous samples down to 1 ng/L (with online SPE sample preparation), as well as a qTOF LC-MS for untargeted accurate-mass screening. Additional equipment, such as single-quadrupole LC-MS, HPLC-DAD, combustion ion chromatography (CIC), Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and total organic carbon analyzers, further supports comprehensive PFAS profiling and complementary fluorine analyses.
These capabilities enable WaTER to not only quantify known PFAS compounds with high sensitivity but also to screen for unknown or emerging PFAS species using high-resolution techniques. By integrating multiple analytical techniques, from targeted methods to broad fluorine mass balances, the institute provides robust support for environmental PFAS research, sample measurements, and treatment assessment. Interested in PFAS research, sample measurements, and treatment assessment? Email RWI@rice.edu.
| Image | Instruments | Analysis | Detection Limit | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 1290 Infinity II* & 6470, Agilent |
Triple quadrupole liquid chromatography–mass spectrometer (QqQ LC-MS ) *Agilent PFAS kit & delay column installed | Targeted PFAS analysis *Aqueous sample | 0.2 ppb (µg/L) | RICE Shared Equipment Authority (SEA) |
 1290 Infinity II & MSD Agilent |
Single quadrupole liquid chromatography–mass spectrometer (Single-Q LC-MS) | Routine mass analysis and screening *Aqueous sample | 10 ppm (mg/L) | RICE Shared Equipment Authority (SEA) |
 1290 Infinity II & 6545XT, Agilent |
Quadrupole time of flight liquid chromatography–mass spectrometer (qToF LC-MS) | Perform untargeted accurate mass PFAS screening with optional MS/MS fragment ion data *Aqueous sample |
0.5 ppm (mg/L) | RICE Shared Equipment Authority (SEA) |
 1290 Infinity II & Ultivo, Agilent |
Ultivo triple quadrupole liquid chromatography–mass spectrometer (Ultivo QqQ LC-MS) *Online-SPE (1290 Infinity Flexible Cube: in order) | Targeted PFAS compounds *Aqueous sample | 0.5 ppb (µg/L) 1ppt (mg/L) *Online-SPE |
Dr. Wong group |
 1260 Infinity II |
High-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) | Targeted PFOA *Aqueous sample | 0.5 ppm (mg/L) |
Dr. Wong group & RICE Undergraduate Lab |
 XPREP C-IC, Trace Elemental Instruments |
Combustion Ion Chromatography (CIC) *AOF analysis (XPREP A6) | Quantification of total fluorine (TF) and adsortable organic fluorine (AOF) *Aqueous / Solid sample | 0.5 ppm (mg/L) *TF 1 ppb (µg/L) *AOF |
RICE Shared Equipment Authority (SEA) |
 AQUION/AS-DV, Thermo Fisher Scientific |
Ion chromatography (IC) | Fluoride ion *Aqueous sample | 0.5 ppm (mg/L) | Dr. Wong group |
 NEO 600 MHz, Bruker |
C-13 Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) | Understanding the carbon framework of PFAS molecules *Aqueous / solid sample | >1 ppm (mg/L) | RICE Shared Equipment Authority (SEA) |
 9609BNWP, Thermo Fisher Scientific |
Fluoride Ion-selective electrode (ISE) | Fluoride ion *Aqueous sample | 10 ppb (µgl) |
Dr. Wong group |
 TOC-L, Shimazu |
Total Organic Carbon (TOC) Analyzers | Total organic carbon *Aqueous sample | 0.3 ppm (mg/L) |
Dr. Wong group |
| PFCA; Perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids PFSA; Perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids FTS; Fluorotelomer sulfonic acids | PFECA; Per- and Polyfluoroether carboxylic acids PFESA; polyfluorinated ether sulfonic acids FOSAA; Perfluorooctane sulfonamidoacetic acids |