Ultrashort-Chain PFAS Testing in Drinking and Bottled Water – Method L563

Eurofins Method L563 is a proprietary testing method, designed for the detection of seven ultrashort-chain PFAS (C1–C3) in drinking water and bottled water. This method uses DAI-LC/ESI/MS/MS technology to achieve ultra-trace detection limits, offering precise results for even the most mobile and persistent PFAS compounds.

Analytes and Minimum Reporting Limits (MRLs)

Compound	Acronym	CAS Number	MRL (ng/L)
Trifluoroacetic acid	TFA	76-05-1	20
Perfluoropropanoic acid	PFPrA	422-64-0	5
Perfluoromethoxy acetic acid	PFMOAA	674-13-5	1
Trifluoromethanesulfonic acid	TFMS	1493-13-6	1
Perfluoroethanesulfonic acid	PFEtS	354-88-1	0.1
Perfluoropropanesulfonic acid	PFPrS	423-41-6	0.1
Bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide	TFSI	82113-65-3	0.1

_{Note: Bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonamide is also called bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amine, trifluoromethane)sulfonamide, or triflimide.}

Why Test for Ultrashort-Chain PFAS?

C1–C3 PFAS are highly water-soluble, acidic, and persistent in the environment. Due to their extreme mobility, they are difficult to remove with traditional treatment methods like granular activated carbon (GAC) or ion exchange resins.

Common Uses

C1-C3 PFAS	Applications
TFA	A strong organic acid used in various applications, including as a solvent, catalyst, and in peptide synthesis, a degradation product of some PFAS.
PFPrA	A surfactant, in polymer synthesis, an intermediate in the production of other fluorinated compounds, and a potential catalyst in certain chemical reactions.
PFMOAA	Used in various consumer products.
TFMS	A strong acidic catalyst in various organic synthesis reactions, a solvent, used in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, polymers, and specialty chemicals.
PFEtS	A surfactant and protective coating substance, a superacid in chemical reactions and in the synthesis of ion-exchange membranes.
PFPrS	Manufacturing of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF).
TFSI	Electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries and in organic synthesis.

Toxicity & Health Concerns

Toxicity and health concerns related to ultrashort-chain PFAS are increasingly coming into focus. Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) is not currently classified as a carcinogen or reproductive toxicant, but studies in mammals suggest it may cause liver damage and reproductive effects. Perfluoropropanoic acid (PFPrA) has been assigned a chronic reference dose (RfD) of 0.0001 mg/kg/day by the U.S. EPA, indicating potential for long-term health impacts with sustained exposure. Perfluoromethoxy acetic acid (PFMOAA) has been linked to maternal and developmental toxicity in animal studies, including reduced birth weight, liver abnormalities, and altered thyroid hormone levels. Although research is ongoing, the available data highlight growing global concern over the toxicity and environmental persistence of C1–C3 PFAS compounds.

Why Choose Eurofins Environment Testing?

Eurofins offers a powerful solution for detecting ultrashort-chain PFAS in drinking and bottled water. With industry-leading reporting limits as low as 0.1 ng/L, this method delivers the sensitivity needed to detect even trace levels of these persistent and mobile compounds. It specifically targets high-priority, emerging PFAS that are increasingly drawing regulatory attention, making it an essential tool for environmental monitoring. By providing accurate and defensible data, Method L563 supports compliance with evolving guidelines, helps mitigate environmental and health risks, and reinforces public health protection efforts.