Innovative study on Italian drinking water, using the AOF (Adsorbable Organic Fluorine) analysis method
PFAS contamination in environmental matrices
TIL conducted a study on Italian drinking water using an innovative analysis method: Adsorbable Organic Fluorine (AOF).
Between September and November 2024, a sampling plan was carried out involving over 200 drinking water samples taken in numerous Italian cities in order to check for any contamination and obtain an initial picture of the state of health of the Italian water system in relation to possible PFAS contamination.
The determination of the presence of PFAS was carried out using “traditional” analytical “target” methods (search for individual PFAS – monitoring of approx. 60 molecules) and the innovative untargeted AOF method.
What does AOF analysis mean?
AOF is a methodology that allows the total amount of fluoride bound to organic compounds, including PFAS, to be quantified in environmental samples. This approach is essential for improving the monitoring of PFAS contamination, particularly in complex environments such as drinking water and soil.
Study Results
The distribution map of the results shows that 13% of the samples examined have an AOF presence above the quantification limit used in the study, indicating the certain presence of PFAS contamination.
The study also opens up new horizons for research: the AOF approach could become a key part of future regulations for PFAS monitoring, providing more accurate data for policy and environmental decisions.
Read the full study to find out more about the findings
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