The proposed standard will help expand global testing capabilities beyond current PFAS detection methods.

Aug 08, 2025

ASTM International is developing a proposed standard (WK88987) that will measure the ultrashort per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that are not being measured currently.

 WK88987 is being developed by the analysis for organic substances in water subcommittee (D19.06) within ASTM’s water committee (D19). 

According to ASTM member Kesavalu Bagawandoss, while methods for short and long-chain PFAS have reached standardization, there is a gap in methods for ultrashort PFAS (carbon-chain <4).

“We need reference methods for ultrashort PFAS in all matrices,” says Bagawandoss, general manager, Gulf Coast, at SGS North America Inc. “This method would find immediate use as a standard for the world community once approved.”

This proposed standard will apply to all parties – regulators, consumers, manufacturers, and laboratories analyzing for PFAS.

ASTM welcomes participation in the development of its standards. Become a member at JOIN ASTM.

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Supported:

Recommended Articles

Environmental Testing for Metal in Water

Stopping the Spread: Standards for Oil Spill Response

Water, Water, Everywhere: Standards for Blue Water