August 2020 | Volume 10 | Issue 6

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From TOP to Bottom: TOP Assay Not Likely to Close Mass Balance on Total PFAS

BY ALLISON MACKENZIE, CEO

Testing for polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is increasing nationwide as multiple states launch investigations into PFAS contaminated areas. But while a handful of these “forever chemicals” are tested and starting to be regulated, the vast majority are not. Much of the difficulty lies in the testing itself; PFAS constitute an extensive class of mostly unknown compounds and are measured in trace amounts, usually parts per trillion. For the last eight years, scientists have used the TOP assay (total oxidizable precursors assay) to determine total PFAS concentrations in environmental matrices. But according to a study released in 2019, the TOP assay may well be underestimating total PFAS contamination and providing a false sense of assurance.

Historically, PFAS testing targeted only certain compounds with documented adverse health effects. Over the last decade concern has grown about the environmental and health impacts of these ubiquitous but understudied chemicals. Currently, there are an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 PFAS substances most of which are relatively unknown. This lack of information makes testing for individual PFAS impractical. However, knowing the total concentration of PFAS in a sample can be useful; the total PFAS amount may illustrate where high concentrations are found, how PFAS infiltrate food systems, and possible points of contamination.

The TOP assay was developed in an attempt to close the data gap of unknown PFAS by assessing total PFAS contamination. The method utilizes oxidization to indirectly measure unknown PFAS that exist in the environment. These unknown PFAS compounds, called “precursors,” naturally degrade into... read more.

From the Ashes: Wildfire Effects on Water Quality

Once again, lower than average winter rainfall has paired with exceptionally hot summer months and set California up for a disastrous wildfire season with the potential to surpass that of the historic 2018 fire season. Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on Monday that fires had burned through more than 1.4 million acres so far in 2020. That’s already well ahead of this time in 2019, when Cal Fire reports just shy of 28,060 acres burned.

It is obvious that these fires are a threat to people, wildlife, structures, and our heroic firefighters, but what is less obvious is the danger they pose to our water quality.

California’s forests supply more than 60 percent of the State’s water. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), “wildfires can compromise water quality both during active burning and for months and years after the fire has been contained.” While the fire is raging, ash can settle on lakes and reservoirs used for drinking water supplies. But even after the fire is extinguished, storms can further contaminate water supplies ...read more.

And the 2020 Survey Says…

Results are in from the 2020 client satisfaction survey, and Babcock Labs is proud to report an overall service rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. We are pleased and grateful for the client participation, thoughtful feedback, and vote of confidence in our services.

In the 2020 survey, we asked clients to rate their interactions with Babcock’s staff, their experience with Babcock’s services, and their overall satisfaction with the lab. Our service teams received excellent reviews with special recognition going to our field services team, sample receiving and project management. “Very friendly and helpful,” “extremely knowledgeable,” and “always professional” were just a few of the accolades included in client responses.

When asked to assess Babcock’s reliability, the overwhelming majority of respondents agreed that they can rely on Babcock to provide...read more

In Case You Missed It:

Going Back to School or the Office? Maybe Time for a Different Type of Test (read more)

PFAS: It's Not Just In The Water (read more)

Wet Wipes Have More Than One Dirty Secret (read more)

Life in Plastic: Determining Microplastics in Drinking Water (read more)

The Path Out of Coronavirus Lockdown? Follow the Wastewater (read more)

Lab Accreditation: ELAP Publishes Proposed Regulations (read more)

EPA Announces New Method to Test for Additional PFAS in Drinking Water (read more)

Holiday Reminder

Babcock Labs will be closed Monday September 7th in observance of Labor Day (Contact Project Manager)

Did you know?

Babcock Labs is CA ELAP accredited to perform all 18 analytes for EPA Method 537.1 and all 38 analytes under the DoD QSM 5.3. Also offered at Babcock Labs is EPA Method 533 for short-chain PFAs analytes. ( learn more)