EPA 1621 Determination of Adsorbable Organic Fluorine (AOF) in Aqueous Matrices by Combustion Ion Chromatography (CIC)
EPA method 1621 outlines the procedures for determining the concentration of adsorbable organic fluorine (AOF) in aqueous matrices using combustion ion chromatography (CIC). This method is designed to measure organically bound fluorine, which include per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The method covers all organic fluorine compounds which are adsorbable on activated carbon. There for so enriched samples are digested by pyrohydrolytic combustion, formed HF is absorbed in aqueous solution, before detection by ion chromatography is carried out. This can be done off-line, separation of preparation and detection step, or on-line – preparation and detection are done subsequently without interruption.
Organic fluorine compounds, particularly PFAS, are known for their persistence in the environment and their ability to bioaccumulate in living organisms. These compounds have been linked to various health issues, including cancer, liver damage, and developmental problems. By measuring the concentration of AOF, the method helps to assess the presence and levels of these potentially harmful compounds in water samples.
The method supports regulatory compliance with environmental laws such as the Clean Water Act. By providing a reliable means of measuring AOF, EPA 1621 helps to ensure that water quality standards are met and that potential sources of contamination are identified and addressed. This is essential for protecting public health and the environment.
In summary, EPA 1621 is an important standard for the determination of adsorbable organic fluorine in aqueous matrices. It provides a consistent and reliable method for measuring and reporting the concentrations of fluorine compounds, supporting environmental monitoring, regulatory compliance, and public health protection. This helps to ensure the safety and quality of water resources, contributing to the overall sustainability of the environment.
The ICprep family of Analytik Jena enables easy and comfortable AOF sample preparation according EPA 1621. In combination with the wide portfolio of APU systems for AOF column adsorption a great solution is offered for the entire AOF sample preparation process including adsorption, pyrohydrolytic combustion and collection of the formed HF by absorption, ready to be analyzed by ion chromatograph.
Our solutions for EPA 1621
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