How Do You Measure PFASs? (Forever Chemicals).xml NESTR_schema.xsd (Version 2)
How Do You Measure PFASs? (Forever Chemicals)
Description: PFSAs (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) can be measured by extracting and concentrating the chemicals in the sample, then use a one-two punch of powerful chemistry techniques — liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry — to separate, identify and weigh these ubiquitous and troublesome compounds.
Let’s say a chemist receives a sample of water or food with suspected PFAS contamination. How can they figure out what they have, and how much?
Teaching tips:
- 5 to 30 minutes teaching time
- Discuss the reason why these materials are known as ‘forever chemicals.' Once created, they last a very long time.
- Highlight that PFASs can be found through the environment. Demonstrate some classroom items that may contain them.
- Discuss the harmful effects of PFASs and why they need to be measured.
- Explore other separation techniques and why they would not work based on the nature of PFASs. Discuss why mass spectrometry is a great technique for this material.
- Watch the video within the webpage.
Resource owner information:
- Ben Stein
- [email protected]
- Public Affairs
- 10 - Director's Office (NISTDO)
- 107 - Public Affairs Office
Resource dates:
- Created on February 20, 2024
- Last updated on July 11, 2024
- Reviewed on July 11, 2024
Resource types:
- Educational Resource: Article
- Educational Resource: Other Multimedia
Resource formats:
- Webpage
- Video
School subjects:
- STEM: Chemistry
- STEM: Earth Science
- STEM: Environmental Science
- STEM: Physical Science (General)
Keywords:
- Analysis
- Organic
- Seperation
- Fluid
Topics:
- Research at NIST: Bioscience
- Research at NIST: Chemistry
- Research at NIST: Environment
- Research at NIST: Health
- Research at NIST: Materials
Instructional levels:
- Intermediate (3-5)
- Middle (6-8)
- High School (9-12)
Target audiences:
- Students
- Parents
- Educators
- Outreach Ambassadors
- General Public
Language:
- English
