Colorimetric Assay for Detecting Forever Chemicals

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals added to products like paper cups and teflon pans to make them water-resistant and durable. Exposure to PFAS have been a growing concern for the health of humans because of the migration of PFAS into foods we consume. PFAS have been linked to various health issues such as cancer, immunotoxicity, and thyroid disturbances. This research project examines a colorimetric assay for detection of PFAS in aqueous samples. Looking at the three most common PFAS, it will be determined if different concentration levels of the three PFAS affect data results. We performed the colorimetric assay on PFAS at concentrations ranging from 2.67 – 23.1 μg/mL. Methylene blue and a buffer solution react with the PFAS to produce a colored complex. Chloroform is then added, mixed and allowed to separate. The colored complex extracts into the chloroform layer which is measured for visible light absorbance at 650 nm. This method produced a linear relationship between the PFAS concentration and absorption with a detection limit of 2.5 μg/mL and limit of quantitation of 8.5 μg/mL. This establishes a valid method for the detection of various PFAS. Future studies will look at the leakage of PFAS into beverage containers with various variables such as heat, exposure time, and liquid volumes. We will also examine how planarians behavior and survival rates are affected by PFAS.