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Deeper insight into PFAS analysis: why it matters for your land, water, feed, and compliance


PFAS – often called “forever chemicals” – are increasingly of interest because they persist in the environment and can move through soil, water and food chains. Additionally, on 3rd February 2026, the UK Government released its first ever national PFAS plan establishing a coordinated, science-led framework to address PFAS contamination across water, soil, ecosystems, industry, and waste systems.

As guidance, regulation and risk awareness evolve, the detail and sensitivity of PFAS testing matter more than ever.

Marchwood is here to help. We offer PFAS anlaysis on a wide variety of matrices, many of which we are ISO 17025 accredited for.

We’ve updated our laboratory portfolio to deliver:

  • Lower limits of detection (LODs) for PFAS analysis, all suitable to meet major water, food, and waste regulatory standards.
  • The standard PFAS target list of 52 substances regulated within drinking water, groundwater, surface water, soils, waste, food/feed, and firefighting foams.
  • The TOP (Total Oxidisable Precursors) Assay, which reveals PFAS substances that are not specifically targeted in our standard list.

Together, these provide a more complete picture of PFAS contamination, including not just what’s immediately measurable, but what could form over time.

For full detail on our analysis and LODs, click here.

 

 

Thank you for your interest in our PFAS analysis services.

Please sign up using the form to your left to request a quote, or for more information on Marchwood’s PFAS pricelist and updated testing capabilities.

For consultants & regulators

Our lower LODs support clearer decision making and reduce uncertainty around whether substances exceed PFAS thresholds.

For landowners & farmers

Standard PFAS tests only show part of the story. The TOP Assay helps identify PFAS substances that are not specifically targeted in our standard list, supporting informed decisions about soils, water, sludge, produce and livestock exposure.

For animal feed producers

Early detection of PFAS in animal feed (including raw materials, additives, and finished feed) helps to safeguard the food chain, avoid product recalls, uphold export requirements, and support compliance with regulations, all for confident decision-making.

For everyone

Understanding PFAS levels in soil, water and food chains reduces uncertainty, supports regulatory compliance, and helps avoid unexpected issues and unnecessary costs.

Frequently asked questions

 

What sampling media do I need for PFAS analysis?

2 x 100ml bottles are required per sample for waters/AFF, and 50g for soils/ash/food and feed. Sample bottles must be PTFE free and PFAS free plastic e.g. polypropylene containers. Avoid the use of foil.

Marchwood supplies all sampling pots upon request.

 

How long does PFAS analysis take?

Marchwood’s standard turnaround times start at 7 working days. However, we also offer a rapid turnaround option from as little as 24 hours so you can get results as quickly as possible.

 

What LODs are required for PFAS samples?

Routine limits of detection are 0.001ug/l in waters and 1ug/kg in soils. Lower LODs can be achieved if required. For instance, PFOA and PFOS in water samples can be reported with an LOD of 0.00065 ug/L but this will not be accredited.

For full detail on our analysis and LODs, click here.

 

Why should I choose Marchwood for PFAS analysis?

The laboratory is ISO 17025 accredited. Our investment in state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation, alongside our decades of experience, gives us the capability and expertise required to help you comply with all PFAS regulations.

 

What regulations do I need to follow for PFAS analysis? What is the national PFAS plan in the UK?

On 3rd February 2026, the UK Government released its first ever national PFAS plan – a major milestone in chemical regulation and environmental protection. The plan establishes a coordinated, science-led framework to address PFAS contamination across water, soil, ecosystems, industry, and waste systems.

It also represents a significant policy shift: for the first time, the UK has committed to an expanded national monitoring programme, strengthened regulatory controls, updated permitting rules, and long-term assessment of PFAS in the environment.

 

How can Marchwood help me follow the national PFAS plan in the UK?

Marchwood laboratory has validated methods for PFAS analysis across a wide range of liquid and solid matrices. Using state of the art LC/MS QQQ technology, Marchwood achieves low detection limits, making the platform the gold standard for PFAS quantification. This instrumentation enables highly selective detection of target analytes, even within complex environmental matrices, while delivering reliable, reproducible, and defensible quantitative data.