ASTM E3302-25 PDF

Full title and description

Standard Guide for PFAS Analytical Methods Selection — ASTM E3302-25. A consensus guide that provides a flexible, tiered framework for selecting, applying, and interpreting analytical methods and techniques used to identify and quantify per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in environmental media (excluding air matrices). The guide summarizes method types (targeted and non‑targeted), sample preparation considerations, quality‑assurance/quality‑control factors, and comparative strengths and limitations of common PFAS analytical approaches.

Abstract

This guide summarizes available analytical approaches for PFAS in environmental media (potable and non‑potable waters, soils, sediments, biosolids, biological tissue and wastes), outlines decision criteria for method selection, and describes qualitative and quantitative techniques—ranging from targeted LC‑MS/MS assays to non‑targeted screening (e.g., high‑resolution MS), total oxidizable precursor assays (TOP), and extractable/adsorbable organic fluorine methods. It is intended to support project planning, laboratory selection, data evaluation and stakeholder communication, and does not replace regulatory or agency‑specific requirements.

General information

• Status: Active standard (ASTM guide currently in force; last ASTM update recorded in 2025).
• Publication date: 01 February 2025 (designation E3302‑25).
• Publisher: ASTM International (Committee E50 — Environmental Assessment, Risk Management, and Corrective Action; developed by Subcommittee E50.04).
• ICS / categories: Environment. Water quality (ICS 13.060 — examination of water for chemical substances), Soil quality (ICS 13.080), and related environmental analysis classifications.
• Edition / version: E3302‑25 (2025 edition).
• Number of pages: 22 pages.

Scope

Provides guidance for selecting analytical methods and techniques to detect and quantify PFAS in a wide range of environmental sample media (potable water, groundwater, surface water, wastewater, soil, sediment, biosolids, tissue and waste). The guide explicitly excludes air sample matrices (for which other guides and EPA/ASTM documents apply) and is written to complement—not replace—regulatory requirements. It supports a tiered approach to method selection and emphasizes collaboration among project stakeholders, laboratories and data reviewers.

Key topics and requirements

• Overview of targeted vs. non‑targeted PFAS analytical approaches (e.g., targeted LC‑MS/MS, high‑resolution MS suspect screening).
• Sample preparation and extraction considerations (SPE cartridges, extraction solvents, matrix effects and potential interferences).
• Quality assurance/quality control guidance and decision criteria for method selection based on project objectives and regulatory constraints.
• Comparative discussion of quantitative methods and complementary total/aggregate techniques (TOP assay, extractable/adsorbable organic fluorine—EOF/AOF/TOF).
• Limitations and method gaps (coverage of known PFAS vs. the large universe of PFAS chemistries; matrix‑specific challenges).
• Guidance for data users: interpretation, reporting conventions, and recommended collaboration with experienced analysts and laboratories.

Typical use and users

Intended for environmental regulators, site managers, consulting firms, remediation contractors, analytical laboratories, data reviewers, academic researchers and other stakeholders involved in PFAS site characterization, monitoring, remediation and research. The guide is used to frame method selection, specify laboratory deliverables, and support data quality planning. Training and eLearning products built around E3302 are offered for practitioner familiarization.

Related standards

ASTM E3302‑25 references and complements other ASTM and regulatory methods and guides; it points users to specific analytical methods and agency standards where applicable. Key related documents and method families include EPA PFAS methods for drinking and environmental waters (e.g., Methods 533, 537.1) and broader EPA CWA‑related PFAS methods (e.g., Method 1633A for multiple matrices). For PFAS in air matrices, users should consult Guide D8560 and relevant EPA OTM documents. Users should also track subsequent ASTM work items and revisions that expand method coverage.

Keywords

PFAS, per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances, LC‑MS/MS, high‑resolution mass spectrometry, targeted analysis, non‑targeted/suspect screening, TOP assay, EOF/AOF/TOF (extractable/adsorbable/total organic fluorine), SPE, sample preparation, QA/QC, environmental monitoring.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM E3302‑25 is a Standard Guide that provides a practical, tiered framework for selecting analytical methods to detect and quantify PFAS in environmental media (excluding air). It compiles method comparisons, planning considerations, and best practices to support site‑specific decision making.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers method selection criteria, typical analytical techniques (targeted LC‑MS/MS and non‑targeted HRMS approaches), sample preparation issues, aggregate measures (TOP, EOF/AOF/TOF), QC/QA practices, and limitations of current methods for various matrices such as drinking water, groundwater, surface water, soil, sediment, biosolids and tissue. The guide does not address air sample matrices.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Environmental consultants, regulatory agencies, laboratory managers and analysts, remediation project teams, academic researchers and data reviewers use the guide to help design sampling programs, specify laboratory analyses, evaluate data quality, and choose appropriate analytical approaches for project objectives.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: As of the 2025 designation it is an active ASTM guide (E3302‑25). Users should monitor ASTM work items and regulatory method developments (for example, EPA method updates and related ASTM revisions) for newer editions or complementary standards; revisions and work items related to E3302 have been initiated to keep the guide current with emerging analytical methods.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: E3302 is part of ASTM Committee E50’s suite of environmental assessment and data guidance documents (developed by subcommittee E50.04) and is intended to be used alongside other ASTM and regulatory test methods and guides addressing PFAS sampling, analysis and data evaluation. Related ASTM work items and training offerings have been produced to support use of the guide.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: PFAS, LC‑MS/MS, high‑resolution MS, targeted analysis, non‑targeted screening, TOP assay, extractable organic fluorine (EOF), adsorbable organic fluorine (AOF), sample preparation, SPE, QA/QC, environmental monitoring.