Researchers at the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) have developed a compact sensor system that detects PFAS quickly, reliably and cost-effectively on site in aqueous samples. PFAS are so-called perpetual chemicals that hardly break down in the environment and which were and are used, among other things, in the clothing industry for water-repellent finishes and for the production of certain membranes. They get into soil and water, accumulate in plants, animals and people and can be harmful to health. Until now, detection was complicated, expensive and only possible in the laboratory.
The new system works with a combination of tiny fluorescent particles and a microfluidic platform – to put it simply: a pocket-sized mini laboratory. The new method delivers results in less than 15 minutes and can detect even small amounts of the chemicals.
The test was developed primarily for the monitoring and remediation of contaminated sites. After asking BAM, the test could also be used on textiles. To do this, a small sample of material would have to be taken from the product and an extract made with a solvent.
The rapid test is still basic research at BAM and is therefore a prototype. The higher scientific and technical federal authority, which is located in the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, is looking for interested parties from business for commercial use.
Certified PFAS reference material for outdoor clothing
BAM has often dealt with textiles and PFAS. It was not until May 2025 that the authority presented the development of a certified PFAS reference material from used outdoor clothing. It is used to ensure the reliability of analytical methods that determine the content of certain PFAS in outdoor clothing. This is necessary in order to be able to check compliance with limit values for PFAS. It will also help to better assess the recyclability of products. In order to be able to recycle textiles, manufacturers must know exactly whether the raw materials are contaminated with harmful substances and, if so, to what extent.
“A number of regulations for limiting PFAS have been updated in Germany and Europe – for example the Drinking Water Ordinance, the Federal Soil Protection and Contaminated Sites Ordinance or EU standards for contaminants in textiles,” explains Matthias Koch, head of the Organic Trace and Food Analysis Department. “But to ensure compliance, laboratories must be able to guarantee that their results are correct. This requires certified reference materials.”