PFAS Detection in 15 Minutes

December 18, 2025 – The German Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) has developed a compact sensor-based system that can detect per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in situ in water samples within fifteen minutes. PFAS are chemical compounds that hardly degrade in the environment and can accumulate in soil, water, and organisms, making them a global focus for environmental and health monitoring. Until now, measurements often required extensive laboratory equipment and long waiting times. This rapid analysis allows the presence of these persistent substances to be detected much faster, which can be useful for monitoring contaminated sites and evaluating remediation measures. According to BAM, the technology is cost-effective and can be deployed on-site, significantly accelerating the response to potential contamination.







