Industrial Aqueous Discharge Testing
PFAS Testing in Industrial Effluents
BJL Laboratoires provides PFAS testing in industrial effluents, process water, wash water and other aqueous industrial samples. Testing can support contamination investigations, process monitoring, environmental studies and discharge assessments.
Why Analyse PFAS in Industrial Effluents?
PFAS have been used in a wide range of industrial applications, including surface treatments, technical textiles, fire-fighting foams, coatings, packaging and specialised chemical formulations.
PFAS testing may be used to:
- identify a possible source of contamination;
- characterise an aqueous discharge;
- compare upstream and downstream samples;
- evaluate treatment performance;
- monitor a production process;
- support an environmental investigation;
- respond to regulatory monitoring requirements where applicable.
Industrial Water and Effluent Samples
Samples may include:
- raw industrial effluents;
- treated effluents;
- process water;
- wash and rinse water;
- water before or after treatment;
- aqueous discharges;
- potentially contaminated storm water;
- environmental monitoring water around industrial sites.
PFAS Analysis by LC-MS/MS
Targeted PFAS analysis is performed using LC-MS/MS. The compounds and analytical performance required should be defined according to the industrial process, sample matrix and purpose of the investigation.
For a specific project, please provide:
- the type of industrial activity;
- the sample matrix;
- the number of sampling points;
- known or suspected PFAS compounds;
- the expected concentration range if known;
- the regulatory context where applicable.
PFAS and French ICPE Industrial Sites
In France, the Order of 20 June 2023 introduced an identification and PFAS analysis campaign for aqueous discharges from certain authorised classified installations (ICPE).
The regulatory campaign concerns relevant aqueous discharge points and includes specified PFAS as well as other requirements defined by the Order.
The French Order specifies accreditation or approval requirements for certain sampling and analytical measurements.
Defining an Industrial PFAS Testing Programme
Industrial PFAS investigations often require a programme tailored to the site and process rather than a standard drinking-water panel.
The programme may take into account:
- PFAS used or previously used on the site;
- PFAS produced or potentially formed during processes;
- sampling points and discharge pathways;
- treatment processes;
- target compounds;
- required analytical sensitivity;
- applicable regulatory requirements.
Sampling Industrial Effluents for PFAS
Sampling precautions are particularly important for PFAS because fluorinated materials used in equipment or consumables may contaminate samples.
- confirm the sampling container with the laboratory;
- avoid uncontrolled use of PTFE or other fluoropolymer materials;
- identify each discharge or sampling point accurately;
- record sampling conditions;
- prevent cross-contamination;
- follow storage and transport instructions.
For regulatory projects, sampling requirements should be confirmed before the campaign begins.
PFAS Testing for International Industrial Clients
Industrial companies, engineering consultancies and laboratories outside France may send suitable samples to BJL Laboratoires after confirmation of transport and sample-stability requirements.
Please contact us before international shipment so that the required sample volume, container, storage and transport conditions can be confirmed.
Request Industrial PFAS Testing
Please provide the sample matrix, number of samples, industrial context, target compounds where known and the purpose of the investigation.