ISO 21675-2019 PDF

Full title and description

St ISO 21675-2019 — Water quality — Determination of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water — Method using solid phase extraction and liquid chromatography‑tandem mass spectrometry (LC‑MS/MS). This International Standard specifies a laboratory method that combines solid phase extraction (SPE) and LC‑MS/MS for the targeted determination of a set of PFAS analytes in non‑filtered waters such as drinking water, natural waters and waste water (with low suspended particulate matter).

Abstract

This document defines sample preparation (SPE), chromatographic separation and tandem mass spectrometric detection conditions for selected linear PFAS isomers and related compounds. It is intended to achieve low‑ng/L (ppt) level quantification for most target analytes (typical LOQ approximately ≥ 0.2 ng/L depending on equipment and blanks) and describes quality control, calibration and option sets for extending the analyte list or validating the method for additional water types.

General information

• Status: Published.
• Publication date: October 2019 (ISO publication date 2019‑10; often listed as 26 October 2019).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: ICS 13.060.50 (Water quality).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2019).
• Number of pages: 43 pages (typical PDF/print length for the published standard).

Scope

Applies to the determination of selected perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in non‑filtrated water matrices — for example finished drinking water, surface water, groundwater and wastewater with less than about 2 g/L suspended particulate matter. The method specifies SPE sample preparation followed by LC‑MS/MS analysis, reporting, calibration and quality control procedures; it is intended for the listed target analytes but allows extension to additional PFAS provided separate validation is carried out. Typical achievable limits of quantification are in the low‑ppt range, subject to instrument sensitivity and laboratory blank performance.

Key topics and requirements

• Target analytes: selected perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (primarily linear isomers by default).
• Sample matrix: non‑filtered drinking, natural and waste waters with low SPM (validation required for other matrices).
• Sample preparation: solid phase extraction (SPE) procedures and recommended cartridges/conditioning steps.
• Instrumentation: liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC‑MS/MS) using MRM transitions for quantification.
• Quality control: calibration, method blanks, surrogate/internal standards and performance checks for LOQ/LOD.
• Reporting and validation: recommended criteria for method validation and options to extend analyte lists or resolve isomers.

Typical use and users

Used by environmental testing laboratories, water utilities, regulatory and public health agencies, research organisations and consultants for monitoring PFAS in ambient and drinking waters, compliance testing, surveillance and research studies. Laboratories implementing the standard normally require LC‑MS/MS capability and PFAS‑aware QA/QC procedures to control background contamination.

Related standards

Relevant complementary methods and documents include national/regulatory PFAS methods used for drinking and environmental waters (for example EPA methods such as 533 and 537.1 in the United States), other ISO water‑quality methods from ISO/TC 147 and documents covering sample collection and PFAS analytical quality assurance. Users commonly compare ISO 21675:2019 with these regulatory methods when selecting methods for monitoring or compliance programs.

Keywords

PFAS, perfluoroalkyl, polyfluoroalkyl, water quality, SPE, solid phase extraction, LC‑MS/MS, tandem mass spectrometry, method validation, limit of quantification, environmental monitoring.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 21675:2019 is an ISO International Standard that specifies an SPE + LC‑MS/MS analytical method for the determination of selected PFAS compounds in non‑filtered water matrices (drinking, natural and wastewater).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers sample preparation by solid phase extraction, chromatographic separation and tandem mass spectrometric detection, recommended QA/QC and reporting procedures, and performance expectations (including typical LOQs in the low‑ppt range). The method is focused on specified target PFAS (mainly linear isomers) and can be validated for additional analytes or matrices if needed.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Environmental and analytical laboratories, water utilities, regulators and researchers use this standard for PFAS monitoring, method harmonization and inter‑laboratory comparison studies.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 21675:2019 was published in 2019 and is a current published ISO standard. Users should check the ISO catalogue or their national standards body for any amendments, corrigenda or later revisions before use.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It sits within ISO/TC 147 water quality work and is complementary to other analytical methods and standards addressing PFAS and water analysis; it is not itself numbered as a multi‑part series but may be used together with other ISO or national methods covering sample collection, additional analytes or different matrices.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: PFAS, perfluoroalkyl, polyfluoroalkyl, water quality, SPE, LC‑MS/MS, analytical method, limit of quantification, environmental monitoring.