Statistical Analyses for Single Laboratory Validation Study of Novel PFAS Measurement Method (Presentation)

The Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) and the Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP) are funding the development of novel methods for measuring trace contamination of per- and polyFluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), a broad category of man-made chemicals that are environmentally persistent and associated with health problems in humans. PFAS are resistant to heat, oil and water and because of this property have been used widely throughout the country, in particular, by the Department of Defense (DoD) as fire extinguishing agents. In Fiscal Year 2021, IDA, NAVSEA, and AFCEC performed statistical analyses to assist SERDP/ESTCP in the validation of these novel PFAS mass spectrometry detection methods, as part of the DoD’s Single Laboratory Validation study. We processed the data reported by the laboratory to calculate the average native concentrations, spike concentrations, and percent recoveries of dozens of PFAS analytes in 8 types of environmental samples. An IDA-coded Python computer script produced over 100 tables that illustrate the performance of the PFAS analytical method across various aqueous, solids, and tissues samples.