For identifying per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water, EPA 533 offers one of the most precise, compound-specific analytical approaches available today. Built specifically to capture short-chain PFAS that other methods routinely miss, it’s become an important tool for water utilities, engineering firms, pharmaceutical manufacturers, food and beverage processors, and industrial facilities that require detailed water quality data.
What Makes This Method Technically Distinct
Here’s where it gets interesting. Most PFAS methods use polymeric solid phase extraction (SPE) cartridges. EPA 533 instead uses weak anion exchange (WAX) cartridges combined with liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). That combination significantly improves the retention of short-chain PFAS compounds during sample extraction, which are otherwise prone to being lost in the process. Key technical highlights:
- Covers 25 PFAS compounds, including PFBS, PFHxA, and HFPO-DA (GenX chemicals)
- Achieves a minimum reporting level (MRL) of 1 ng/L (parts per trillion)
- Applies isotope dilution to improve measurement precision
- Designed specifically for finished drinking water analysis
- Published in 2019 as a direct advancement over earlier PFAS methods
Who Benefits from This Level of Analysis
Hospitals, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and industrial facilities that depend on high-purity water gain real value from the granular compound detail that EPA 533 provides. Carbon vendors and filtration manufacturers also use this data when assessing activated carbon performance and refining treatment processes.
Precision PFAS Analysis from Engineering Performance Solutions
At Engineering Performance Solutions, we offer EPA 533 testing as part of our specialized PFAS analytical services for municipalities, engineering firms, carbon vendors, and industrial clients. Our lab adheres to AWWA and ASTM-approved testing standards, ensuring that we deliver reliable and well-documented results. With our convenient mail-in sample submission, clients from across the country can easily access our testing services.