FIU PFAS Water Testing Cut to 30 Minutes in Miami

Florida International University researchers have developed a method that detects PFAS, known as "forever chemicals," in 30 minutes, cutting testing time from more than six hours.

PFAS contamination poses health risks including immune system damage, endocrine disruption, and cancer. The chemicals persist in the environment and infiltrate South Florida's shallow Biscayne Aquifer through landfills, airports, and other sources. The EPA recently required public water systems to monitor PFAS continuously, intensifying demand for faster detection.

"Wastewater treatment plants and drinking water facilities don't currently treat for PFAS, so contamination moves through rainwater, surface water, groundwater, and into drinking water," said Maria Guerra de Navarro, a postdoctoral associate at FIU's Institute of Environment.

FIU's method automates sample cleanup and uses high-precision testing tools. It identifies 39 of 40 EPA-listed PFAS compounds, uses smaller samples, and reduces solvent use and human error. Natalia Quinete, an associate professor at FIU, said researchers excluded one compound to maintain high detection limits for PFOS and PFOA, the two most regulated chemicals.

The team has tested tap water across Miami-Dade County and is now analyzing human serum samples. The method requires certification through independent laboratory validation before water facilities can adopt it widely.

FIU researchers are developing a simpler method to measure total PFAS that could process more samples daily with less expensive equipment and enable field testing in the future.