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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:


Raptor C18, 2.7 µm, 50 x 2.1 mm HPLC Column
Force C18, 1.8 µm, 50 x 2.1 mm LC Column

Delay Columns:


PFAS Delay Column, 5 µm, 50 x 2.1 mm HPLC Column

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

Guard Columns:


UltraShield UHPLC PreColumn Filter, 0.2 µm Frit, ea.
EXP Direct Connect Holder for EXP Guard Cartridges, Includes Fitting & Ferrules
Raptor C18 EXP Guard Column Cartridge, 2.7 µm, 5 x 2.1 mm, 3-pk.

Standards:


PFAS 24 Calibration Standard, 1 µg/mL, Methanol (1 mM KOH), 1 mL/ampul
PFAS 28 Calibration Standard, 1 µg/mL, Methanol (1 mM KOH), 1 mL/ampul
Discontinued: EPA 533 PFAS Calibration Standard, 2 µg/mL, Methanol (1 mM KOH), 1 mL/ampul

Sample Prep:


Resprep Polymeric SPE Cartridge, WAX, 6 mL/500 mg, 30 μm, 30-pk.
Resprep Polymeric SPE Cartridge, WAX, 6 mL/200 mg, 30 μm, 30-pk.

Sample Reservoirs:


SPE Empty Tubes, Sample Reservoir, 75 mL, Polypropylene, 12-pk.
SPE Connector, 1, 3, 6, 10, or 15 mL, Polypropylene, 15-pk.

Vacuum Manifolds:


Resprep QR-24 Vacuum Manifold
Resprep QR-12 Vacuum Manifold

Vacuum Pumps:


Chemker 300 PTFE Vacuum Pump, 20 L/min, AC110 V, 60 Hz
Chemker 300 PTFE Vacuum Pump, 18 L/min, AC220 V, 50 Hz

General Lab Supplies:


Limited-Volume Screw-Thread Polypropylene Vials, 9 mm, 700 µL, 12 x 32 mm, 100-pk.
Limited-Volume Screw-Thread Polypropylene Vials, 9 mm, 700 µL, 12 x 32 mm, 1000-pk.
2.0 mL, 9 mm Solid-Top Polyethylene Caps, Screw-Thread, 10 mil thick membrane, Clear, 100-pk.
2.0 mL, 9 mm Solid-Top Polyethylene Caps, Screw-Thread, 10 mil thick membrane, Clear, 1000-pk.
Empty Centrifuge Tubes, 50 mL, Polypropylene w/Cap, 50-pk.
Empty Centrifuge Tubes, 50 mL, Polypropylene w/Cap, 500-pk.
Norm-Ject Plastic Syringe, 10 mL Luer Lock Tip, 100-pk.
Norm-Ject Plastic Syringe, 5 mL Luer Lock Tip, 100-pk.

Discover More Solutions for PFAS Analysis!

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  • Restek Corporation

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

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