ASTM D7979-20 PDF

Full title and description

Standard Test Method for Determination of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Water, Sludge, Influent, Effluent, and Wastewater by Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). This ASTM test method (D7979-20) specifies sample preparation, chromatographic separation, and tandem mass spectrometric detection for selected PFAS in various water and wastewater matrices.

Abstract

This method describes a validated LC‑MS/MS procedure using selected‑reaction monitoring/multiple‑reaction monitoring to qualitatively and quantitatively determine selected per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in aqueous matrices including surface waters, influent, effluent, sludge extracts and wastewater. The method is performance‑based with defined method detection limits (MDLs) and reporting limits (the reporting limit target was ~10 ng/L for most analytes at development). The procedure has not been evaluated for drinking water matrices.

General information

• Status: Active (current edition D7979-20).
• Publication date: 2020 (D7979-20; published/updated in 2020 — edition references show mid‑2020 publication).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: Examination of water for chemical substances; halogenated hydrocarbons (example ICS codes reported: 13.060.50; 71.080.20).
• Edition / version: D7979-20 (current edition).
• Number of pages: 31 pages (full published method).

Scope

This test method covers determination of selected PFAS in aqueous matrices using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometric detection (LC/MS/MS). It specifies calibration, quality‑control checks, reporting limits, and method detection limit procedures for the listed target analytes and is intended for reagent, surface, sludge and wastewater matrices (influent/effluent); it was not developed/evaluated for finished drinking water monitoring. The method uses SRM/MRM acquisition and is performance‑based, allowing laboratories to modify procedures as long as minimum performance criteria are met.

Key topics and requirements

• Analyte class: per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — selected list of target analytes defined in the method.
• Analytical technique: liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) using SRM/MRM for selective detection.
• Performance criteria: method detection limits (MDLs) and reporting limits are specified (reporting limit target ≈10 ng/L for most analytes; individual MDLs and reporting ranges tabulated in the method).
• Quality control: calibration standards (multi‑level), laboratory blanks, surrogate/internal standards, and spike/recovery checks to verify method performance.
• Matrix applicability: validated for reagent, surface water, sludge and wastewater matrices; not validated for compliance drinking water testing.
• Reporting: guidance on reporting limits, non‑detects, estimated concentrations between MDL and reporting limit, and unit conventions (SI units).

Typical use and users

Environmental testing laboratories, municipal and industrial wastewater laboratories, consulting laboratories, regulatory agencies, researchers, and remediation practitioners use this method to screen and quantify PFAS in non‑potable aqueous matrices (wastewater effluent/influent, surface waters, sludge extracts). It is used for monitoring, source identification, treatment evaluation, and research studies where LC‑MS/MS is available.

Related standards

Relevant and complementary methods and standards include EPA drinking‑water methods (EPA Method 533 and Method 537.1) for potable water, EPA CWA/SW‑846 methods and CWA Method 1633 for expanded PFAS lists in wastewater/solids, and predecessor ASTM editions (for example D7979‑16 / earlier versions). Users often compare or use these methods together depending on matrix and regulatory context.

Keywords

PFAS, per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances, LC/MS/MS, tandem mass spectrometry, selected reaction monitoring, MRM, wastewater, effluent, influent, sludge, reporting limit, MDL, ASTM D7979-20.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D7979‑20 is a test method that defines an LC‑MS/MS procedure for determining selected PFAS in water, sludge, influent, effluent and wastewater matrices.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers sample preparation and analysis by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (SRM/MRM), calibration and QC requirements, method detection limits, and reporting conventions for the listed PFAS target analytes in non‑potable aqueous matrices. The method was not evaluated for finished drinking water.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Environmental and commercial analytical laboratories, wastewater utilities, consultants, academic researchers and some regulatory programs that need a validated LC‑MS/MS approach for PFAS in wastewater, surface waters and sludge.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The current edition is D7979‑20 (2020) and is listed as the active version. Earlier editions include D7979‑16 and other previous revisions; users should confirm status before procurement or regulatory application.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: D7979 is part of broader PFAS analytical method development and exists alongside EPA methods (e.g., Methods 533 and 537.1 for drinking water, and CWA/SW‑846/CWA Method 1633 for non‑potable matrices). Laboratories commonly select the method most appropriate to the matrix and regulatory need.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: PFAS, LC/MS/MS, MRM, SRM, wastewater, sludge, influent, effluent, MDL, reporting limit, ASTM D7979‑20.