Tracking PFAS in Drinking Water: A Review of Analytical Methods and Worldwide Occurrence Trends in Tap Water and Bottled Water

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) used in various
industrial
applications are pollutants of concern for the environment and human
health. Drinking water consumption is one key exposure pathway to
PFAS, as recently highlighted by multiple studies on their occurrence
in tap and bottled water worldwide. However, PFAS quantification at
low part-per-trillion (ng/L) or part-per-quadrillion (pg/L) concentrations
remains challenging. PFAS presence in blanks and incomplete method
recoveries can lead to false positives or negatives; PFAS concentration
changes under different storage durations or conditions can also affect
accuracy and precision. Here, we review the most recent data related
to analytical methods that were used in research articles for the
detection and quantification of PFAS from drinking water. Commonly
encountered pitfalls are summarized, and analytical performance is
appraised including detection limits, recovery, matrix effects, and
other quality assurance/quality control endpoints. In addition, we
collated available guidelines for health advisory levels of PFAS in
tap water. Finally, we compiled concentration data on legacy and emerging
PFAS in tap and bottled water.