Emerging Strategies for Comprehensive Analysis of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Complex Product and...

The tightening regulatory landscape for per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has created an urgent demand for robust analytical methods and reliable monitoring data to support risk management and regulatory compliance. Consequently, the analytical demands are increasing, and robust and broadly applicable analytical methods are required. This review provides a critical overview of established and emerging analytical methods and techniques for rapid PFAS screening, identification, and quantification of PFAS with a particular focus on complex industrial materials and consumer products. Fluorine-based sum parameter approaches are discussed alongside ¹⁹F nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹⁹F NMR) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Emphasis is placed on the decisive role of sample preparation in achieving comparable and reliable results across diverse matrices. In addition to established liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methods, untargeted and sum‑parameter approaches are discussed for complementary strategies to address the chemical heterogeneity of PFAS. The adaptability and technical limitations of these methods are critically evaluated with respect to sensitivity, matrix applicability, standardization, and suitability for routine implementation. Overall, this review highlights the strengths and limitations of PFAS analysis methods, identifies remaining methodological gaps, and underscores the need for comprehensive PFAS assessment beyond environmental water matrices.