US EPA and Markes publish study validating OTM-50 method for PFAS destruction

A peer-reviewed paper in the Journal of Chromatography A has been published, co-authored by scientists from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and specialists from Markes International. The study validates the use of Markes thermal desorption technology for US EPA Other Test Method 50 (OTM-50).

What is OTM-50?

OTM-50 is a draft US EPA method designed to measure volatile fluorinated compounds (VFCs) released during the destruction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These persistent chemicals are used in many industrial and consumer products but pose environmental and health challenges due to their resistance to natural breakdown. Reliable methods such as OTM-50 are essential to demonstrate that PFAS destruction technologies are effective and to support regulatory decision-making.

About the study

The paper, titled “Overcoming Analytical Challenges of Other Test Method 50: Analysis of Volatile Fluorinated Compounds in Passivated Canisters from Stationary Source Emissions”, will appear in the 27 September 2025 issue of the journal.

The research demonstrates that Markes’ UNITY–CIA Advantage-xr instrument provides robust cryogen-free analysis of all 30 VFCs specified in OTM-50. The EPA confirmed that the method achieved the required detection limits, providing independent verification of the performance of Markes’ technology.

Why it matters

For the EPA, having a validated OTM-50 method is a key step in supporting industry and regulators with practical tools to monitor PFAS destruction. For laboratories, the study shows that cryogen-free thermal desorption using Markes’ technology delivers the sensitivity and reliability needed to meet method requirements.

Additional resources

This publication strengthens the resources available for laboratories implementing OTM-50, alongside:

• Application Note 177 – Monitoring volatile gases released during PFAS destruction in accordance with US EPA OTM-50
• Standard method – US EPA OTM-50
• Further information – Struggling to prove PFAS destruction effectiveness? 

The co-authored paper reflects the value of collaboration between Markes and the US EPA, and highlights the role of Markes instrumentation in advancing methods for monitoring PFAS destruction.

Read the paper

The full article is available from Journal of Chromatography A: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chroma.2025.466226