The Path to Contamination: What We Know About PFAS Precursors
As concern about PFAS grows, so has the research and development dedicated to early detection. Dora Chiang explains in a new whitepaper how researchers are investigating chemical precursors, which may transform into more hazardous compounds. There will soon be new commercially available tools on the market to identify and analyze these precursors, though some limitations persist. And, taking the time to understand precursors now can be an important first step in developing an action plan.
The term “PFAS” has become common shorthand for a group of complex fluorochemical compounds, manufactured over the past 60 years and used as surfactants, processing aids, oil and water-repellent coatings and firefighting foams. It has become so common that even media outlets and other public stakeholders have adopted it to represent a singular threat to our drinking water. Of course, the term itself represents not one, but two distinct groups: per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
Perfluoroalkyl Substances
When we talk about PFAS showing up in the environment, we’re mostly referring to perfluoroalkyl substances, specifically perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs). This group includes PFOA and PFOS, the two most commonly manufactured PFAS compounds. PFAAs are persistent, recalcitrant and have been widely detected in the environment and in humans.
PFAA Precursors
Because they are non-degradable, PFAAs are often referred to as “terminal PFAS.” They are the last stage in biological and chemical degradation of many polyfluoroalkyl substances, which are currently the focus of research into the fate and transport of PFAS at environmental release sites.
Quantifiable accounts of precursors are limited because of the absence of analytical standards by which we can measure them. This has led to a general lack in understanding of the occurrence and extent of precursors and their potential to be transformed into PFAAs.
Total Oxidizable Precursors Assay (TOPA)
TOPA is an analytical screening tool that has been developed by universities to assess the presence of PFAA precursors in a sample using heat and alkaline activated persulfate. The primary objectives of collecting TOPA data include:
- Verifying the presence and storage of PFAA precursors in the PFAS impacted areas
- Understanding the presence and transformation of PFAA precursors in the influent and effluent of water, groundwater and wastewater treatment systems
- Understanding the fate and transport of PFAAs and their precursors
- Estimating future risk from transformation of PFAA precursors
The application of TOPA has already begun to yield interesting data. Some studies using the tool to verify the presence of PFAA precursors in wastewater treatment and water reuse systems have suggested that PFAA precursors can even escape from treatment processes.
While the testing instrument is currently offered by commercial laboratories in the U.S. and Canada, this is not a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standard method to quantify PFAS.
Download the full whitepaper for more details about PFAS precursors and the efforts to understand them; or, contact the author, Dora Chiang to discuss all issues related to PFAS contamination.

Every site is comprised of different contaminants. We’re in a unique position to make sure a combination of technologies will fit exact site specifications.
Sign Up


