Articles

PFAS Analysis by U.S. EPA Method 533 for Drinking Water

03 Oct 2025

feature EVAR4285
  • Sample Matrix: drinking water
  • Sample Preparation: isotope dilution anion exchange solid-phase extraction
  • Detection Technique: LC-MS/MS

Determination of Per- and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances in Drinking Water by Isotope Dilution Anion Exchange Solid Phase Extraction and Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry

U.S. EPA Method 533 is used for the analysis of 25 PFAS in drinking water. It combines solid-phase extraction sample preparation using weak anion exchange (WAX) cartridges with LC-MS/MS analysis on a C18 column. The method allows flexibility in some aspects, such as sample volume, LC column, LC conditions, and detector conditions, but changes to sample preservation, quality control requirements, and the extraction procedure are prohibited. In addition, the ratio of sorbent mass to aqueous sample volume cannot be reduced. The full analyte list and recommended products for PFAS analysis in drinking water by Method 533 are provided below. In addition, you can register and directly compare analyte lists and matrices across PFAS analysis methods here or visit www.restek.com/PFAS to explore our technical resources for PFAS analysis.

Analyte List for U.S. EPA Method 533 for PFAS Analysis

PFAS acronyms, compound names, and CAS numbers vary across methods and guidelines, and they also depend on compound form (e.g., neutral vs. salt). The following list uses standardized terminology to allow easy comparison across the methods and guidelines in our comprehensive guide. Please refer to U.S. EPA Method 533 for method-specific nomenclature.

AcronymCompound NameCAS#
PFBSPerfluoro-1-butanesulfonic acid375-73-5
PFDAPerfluorodecanoic acid335-76-2
PFDoAPerfluorododecanoic acid307-55-1
PFHpAPerfluoroheptanoic acid375-85-9
PFHxSPerfluoro-1-hexanesulfonic acid355-46-4
PFHxAPerfluorohexanoic acid307-24-4
PFNAPerfluorononanoic acid375-95-1
PFOSPerfluorooctanesulfonic acid1763-23-1
PFOAPerfluorooctanoic acid335-67-1
PFUnAPerfluoroundecanoic acid2058-94-8
HFPO-DA, GenXHexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid13252-13-6
PFBAPerfluorobutanoic acid375-22-4
PFPeAPerfluoropentanoic acid2706-90-3
PFHpSPerfluoro-1-heptanesulfonic acid375-92-8
PFPeSPerfluoro-1-pentanesulfonic acid2706-91-4
4:2 FTS1H,1H,2H,2H-Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid757124-72-4
6:2 FTS1H,1H,2H,2H-Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid27619-97-2
8:2 FTS1H,1H,2H,2H-Perfluorodecane sulfonic acid39108-34-4
9Cl-PF3ONS9-Chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanonane-1-sulfonic acid (F-53B Major)756426-58-1
11Cl-PF3OUdS11-Chloroeicosafluoro-3-oxaundecane-1-sulfonic acid (F-53B Minor)763051-92-9
ADONA4,8-Dioxa-3H-perfluorononanoic acid919005-14-4
PFEESAPerfluoro(2-ethoxyethane)sulfonic acid113507-82-7
NFDHANonafluoro-3,6-dioxaheptanoic acid151772-58-6
PFMPAPerfluoro-3-methoxypropanoic acid377-73-1
PFMBAPerfluoro-4-methoxybutanoic acid863090-89-5

Recommended Products for U.S. EPA Method 533 for PFAS Analysis

Analytical LC Columns:


Colonne Raptor C18 2.7µm, 50 x 2.1 mm
Colonne LC Force C18, 1,8 μm 50 mm x 2.1 mm

Delay Columns:


“Colonne-retard” PFAS HPLC, 5 µm, 50 x 2.1 mm

PFAS delay column: 5 µm, 50 x 3.0 mm (cat.# 580959 [custom product])

Guard Columns:


Filtre/précolonne UltraShield UHPLC, fritté 0.2 μm, l’unité
Support de cartouche à connexion directe EXP, livré avec un écrou et 2 ferrules
Cartouche de garde Raptor C18 EXP, 2.7 µm, L 5 x DI 2.1 mm, lot de 3

Standards:


Solution-étalon de calibration PFAS 24, 1 μg/ml de chaque composé dans le méthanol (1 mM KOH), 1 ml/ampoule
Solution-étalon de calibration PFAS 28, 1 μg/ml de chaque composé dans le méthanol (1 mM KOH), 1 ml/ampoule
Discontinued: Solution-étalon de calibration PFAS EPA 533, 2 μg/ml de chaque composé dans le méthanol (1 mM KOH), 1 ml/ampoule

Sample Prep:


Cartouche SPE Polymérique Resprep WAX, 6ml/500mg, 30μm, pack de 30
Cartouche SPE Polymérique Resprep WAX, 6ml/200mg, 30μm, pack de 30

Sample Reservoirs:


Tubes vides en polypropylène pour SPE, réservoir de 75 ml, lot de 12
Connecteurs pour cartouches SPE, 1, 3, 6, 10 ou 15 ml, polypropylène, lot de 15

Vacuum Manifolds:


Manifold sous-vide Resprep QR-24
Manifold sous-vide Resprep QR-12

Vacuum Pumps:


Pompe à vide Chemker 300 en PTFE, 20 L/min, AC110 V, 60 Hz
Pompe à vide Chemker 300 PTFE, 18 l/min, 220 V, 50 Hz

General Lab Supplies:


Flacon à volume limité à visser, polypropylène, 9 mm, 700 μl, 12 x 32 mm, lot de 100
Flacon à volume limité à visser, polypropylène, 9 mm, 700 μl, 12 x 32 mm, lot de 1000
Bouchon à visser, polyéthylène (solide), membrane de 0.254 mm, transparent, 2.0 ml, 9 mm, lot de 100
Bouchon à visser, polyéthylène (solide), membrane de 0.254 mm, transparent, 2.0 ml, 9 mm, lot de 1000
Tubes vides en polypropylène pour centrifugation de 50 ml, avec bouchons, lot de 50
Tubes vides en polypropylène pour centrifugation de 50 ml, avec bouchons, lot de 500
Seringues NORM-JECT, 10 ml, embout « luer lock », lot de 100
Seringues NORM-JECT, 5 ml, embout « luer lock », lot de 100

Discover More Solutions for PFAS Analysis!

EZLC modeler PFAS Placeholder Image

Author

  • Restek Corporation

    Restek is a leading provider of chromatography columns, accessories, and certified reference materials. Trust Restek for reliable, high-quality analytical solutions.

    View all posts
EVAR4285
Version: A