Our laboratory is a leader in PFAS analysis across various matrices, focusing on water and blood. With deep expertise, we have contributed to significant EU projects like PerFood, SUPFES, and PERFORCE, showcasing our commitment to advancing PFAS research and tackling global health challenges. We coordinate the Marie Curie-funded REVAMP project, synthesizing and studying previously unknown PFAS compounds to identify their presence in environmental samples—an effort crucial for public health and chemical safety. Our lab also engages in diverse PFAS-focused initiatives, from targeted studies to extensive national projects. Notably, we collaborate with RIVM to analyse blood samples, establishing baseline PFAS concentrations in the Netherlands. These efforts, alongside our impactful partnerships, affirm our position at the forefront of PFAS research, contributing essential insights for environmental protection and public health.
Performing analysis of environmental contaminants requires stringent quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) measures to ensure accuracy and reliability. Our QA/QC protocols include rigorous method validation, calibration, and regular participation in proficiency tests. Our department has a long history of organizing worldwide interlaboratory studies for persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and microplastics in various environmental matrices. These studies help standardize methods and improve analytical performance across laboratories.
Projects:
REVAMP (Sicco Brandsma, Pim Leonards, Marja Lamoree) “Reference materials and methods for emerging pollutants”
PERFORCE3 (Pim Leonards, Timo Hamers) “PER and polyfluorinated alkyl substances towards the Future Of Research and its Communication in Europe 3”
Dutch PFAS research program (Marja Lamoree, Pim Leonards, Ike van der Veen)
EUROQCHARM (Ike van der Veen, Pim Leonards) “Plastic pollution assessment and monitoring - standardising the methods EUROqCHARM”