PFAS IN THE UK

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a growing regulatory and environmental concern in the UK and globally, due to their persistence, mobility and potential for long-term environmental impact. ALS provides industry-leading PFAS testing services designed to support consultants, remediation contractors, regulators and developers through every stage of site assessment, risk evaluation and compliance reporting.

Our PFAS capabilities combine accredited analytical methods, expert technical support and tailored services to ensure your PFAS data is reliable, defensible and aligned with evolving UK and international requirements.

COMPREHENSIVE, ACCREDITED PFAS TESTING

ALS offers one of the most robust PFAS testing portfolios in the UK, covering a broad range of compounds and matrices. Our PFAS suites include:

• Analysis of 50+ PFAS compounds, including key regulated and emerging substances.
• Capabilities aligned with regulatory drivers such as DWI-48 and the EU Drinking Water Directive 20 PFAS group.

This breadth of coverage ensures you can characterise PFAS contamination with confidence and meet compliance requirements in complex projects

ADVANCED PFAS ANALYTICAL METHODS

To complement standard PFAS suites, ALS offers specialist analytical techniques used in advanced site investigations and risk assessments.

TOP Assay (Total Oxidisable Precursor)

The TOP Assay provides a deeper assessment of PFAS contamination by converting oxidisable precursors into measurable perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs).

• Detects PFAS precursors that may not be captured in standard suites.
• Offers a more complete PFAS profile for complex contamination scenarios.
• Supports long-term risk assessment and remediation strategy development.

Swab Testing for PFAS and TOP Assay

ALS has developed validated methods to detect PFAS on non-porous surfaces using a triple swab approach. This allows targeted assessment of PFAS residues on critical assets and infrastructure.

• Monitoring pipework and surfaces exposed to firefighting foams.
• Verifying decontamination effectiveness in fire suppression systems.
• Assessing legacy PFAS impacts on industrial and site infrastructure.

PFAS and TOP Assay on Concrete

Laboratory testing extends to concrete samples, including slabs and cores, enabling investigation of PFAS retention and mobility within built environments.

• Fire training grounds and associated infrastructure.
• Industrial facilities with historical PFAS usage.
• Contaminated structures and related drainage or containment systems.

Fluorotelomer Alcohols (FTOHs)

Fluorotelomer alcohols are significant PFAS precursors that can transform into persistent perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs). ALS provides targeted analysis of key FTOHs such as 6:2 and 8:2.

• Insight into PFAS contributions across soil, water and air.
• Improved understanding of long-chain PFCA formation and associated risks.

APPLICATIONS AND PROJECT SUPPORT

ALS PFAS testing supports a wide range of project types and industry needs across the UK, including:

• Contaminated land investigations – Characterisation of PFAS impacts in soil and groundwater.
• Remediation planning and verification – Data to support remediation design and monitoring.
• Water quality compliance – PFAS monitoring for drinking water, surface water and wastewater.
• Infrastructure and built environment assessments – PFAS analysis in concrete, swabs and structures.
• Industrial site assessments – Evaluation of firefighting foam impacts and legacy contamination.

TECHNICAL AND REGULATORY SUPPORT

ALS technical experts provide guidance on method selection, sampling best practice and data interpretation. By combining UK regulatory insight with global analytical experience, ALS helps clients stay ahead of changing PFAS requirements.

Our UK PFAS team provides commercial, technical and regulatory support across contaminated land, water and infrastructure projects.

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