Trace PFAS Detection in Water Sources Using Silver Nanoparticles for Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS)

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a family of environmentally persistent, industrial chemicals. PFAS exposure has been identified as a public health threat, with water considered as a major pathway for PFAS exposure. Current PFAS analysis methods are time-consuming, not sensitive enough, and not easily accessible, obstructing the advancement of already limited PFAS research and the creation of public health regulations. This project's objective was to explore an alternate, more sensitive method for the detection of trace PFASs. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) was chosen as an analytical method for PFAS analysis. 40nm silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were used to achieve the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect of SERS. The SERS method is able to detect PFAS levels as low as 20 femtograms per liter in less than 30 seconds. The SERS method shows potential to advance research investigations of PFAS pollution by being faster, more sensitive, and easier to use.