PFAS Analysis by U.S. EPA Method 537.1 for Drinking Water

• Sample Matrix: drinking water
• Sample Preparation: S-DVB solid-phase extraction
• Detection Technique: LC-MS/MS

Determination of Selected Per- and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances in Drinking Water by Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) and Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)

U.S. EPA Method 537.1 is used to analyze 18 PFAS in drinking water. It combines solid-phase extraction sample preparation using styrene-divinylbenzene cartridges with LC-MS/MS analysis on a C18 column.

The method allows flexibility in some aspects, such as evaporation technique, separation technique, mobile phase composition, LC column conditions, flow rate, and detector conditions, but changes to sample collection, preservation, and extraction and quality control requirements are prohibited.

Proper sample container selection is critical: each sample bottle must be made of polypropylene, as PFAS can leach from certain materials or adsorb onto glass surfaces. This may increase the risk of PFAS contamination and compromise analytical accuracy.

While EPA Method 537.1 is widely used for drinking water analysis, laboratories should understand the key differences between this and other EPA PFAS methods. EPA Method 533 represents an alternative method that covers 25 PFAS using weak anion exchange SPE, including additional shorter chain PFAS compounds not targeted in Method 537.1.

EPA Method 1633 takes a more comprehensive approach, analyzing 40 PFAS across multiple environmental matrices, including non-drinking water samples (e.g., wastewater, surface water, and groundwater), as well as soil, sediment, biosolids, and fish and shellfish tissue. When analyzing PFAS, method selection depends on the specific target analytes, matrix type, and regulatory requirements.

The full analyte list and recommended products for PFAS testing in drinking water by Method 537.1 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 537.1 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 537.1 for method-specific nomenclature.

Recommended Products for U.S. EPA Method 537.1 for PFAS Analysis

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

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