Analysis of TFA in fresh water

Phytocontrol is able to analyse TFA in fresh water to support you in managing this emerging pollutant.

Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) is a fluorinated organic compound resulting from the breakdown of certain fluorinated gases (HFOs, HFCs) and industrial chemicals. Extremely stable and water-soluble, it gradually accumulates in aquatic environments — rivers, groundwater and drinking water — without easily breaking down.

Its growing presence is a cause for concern in the scientific community: although TFA has low volatility and low bioaccumulation potential, its persistence in the environment and its potential to accumulate in aquatic ecosystems make it an important marker of fluorinated pollution.

Regulation still lacking in Europe

To date, no specific regulation governs the maximum concentration of TFA in water intended for human consumption, whether fresh, mineral or sparkling water.
However, TFA is increasingly being monitored as part of studies on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), of which it is a stable and persistent metabolite. Several countries are already considering adding TFA to their lists of substances to be monitored under environmental control programmes.

Our analytical solution: accuracy, reliability and speed

In response to this growing need for monitoring, our laboratory now offers a specific analysis of TFA in various types of water:

• Fresh water: limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.1 µg/L

• Mineral and carbonated water: LOQ of 1 µg/L

This performance is made possible by a direct injection LC-MS/MS method. This technology enables fine, fast and selective detection of TFA, ensuring a reliable and reproducible measurement even at very low concentrations.

TFA analysis is part of a proactive approach: it enables manufacturers, water operators and environmental health stakeholders to anticipate regulatory changes, map the presence of TFA in their resources, and better understand sources of contamination.

By incorporating this analysis into your monitoring programmes, you help ensure better control of emerging pollutants and the long-term protection of water resources.

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