A new IC-MS method for trifluoroacetic acid — ready ahead of the new EU drinking-water rules.
What is TFA?
Trifluoroacetic acid is a small, highly persistent fluorinated compound. It forms as a breakdown product of certain PFAS and plant-protection products, and because it is extremely mobile and resistant to degradation, it accumulates across the water cycle. These properties make it difficult to remove and demand a reliable analysis
The revised EU Drinking Water Directive (2020/2184) — transposed in Italy through Legislative Decree 18/2023 and reinforced by Legislative Decree 102/2025, in force since 19 July 2025 — adds trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) to the list of substances to keep under control. Mandatory monitoring begins on 13 January 2027, with a parametric limit set at 10 µg/L.
Neotron Proposal
Neotron has developed and validated a method based on Ion Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (IC-MS) that determines TFA in water down to 1 ppb (1 µg/L). The approach combines chromatographic separation with mass-spectrometric confirmation, delivering both the sensitivity and the specificity this emerging contaminant requires.
About Neotron
Neotron is a premier European provider of analytical services, specializing in food, feed, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. With a focus on precise testing, sensory analysis, and R&D, Neotron ensures compliance with the highest global standards. As an accredited lab Neotron delivers innovative, tailored solutions to meet the diverse product development and quality control needs of its clients.