TF – total fluorine
The analysis of total fluorine (TF) provides important information about the total fluorine contamination – organic and inorganic – in various matrices. These data are crucial for the evaluation of quality of the environment, compliance with regulatory requirements and the minimisation of health risks.
Table of contents
- What is total fluorine?
- The characteristics of fluorine
- Why is it important to determine total fluorine?
- The analysis of your sample at Quality Analysis
- The analysis of the sum parameter TF in the context of PFAS analytics
- Regulations related to compounds containing fluorine
- Applications
- Total fluorine (TF) in summary
What is total fluorine?
The sum parameter TF (total fluorine) provides information about the total fluorine content of a sample. It therefore includes the sum of all organic and inorganic compounds containing fluorine. In chemical analytics, the determination of total fluorine is of major importance, because fluorine plays a role in many natural and industrial processes. Total fluorine is determined using analytical methods that can acquire and quantify all components containing fluorine. In this way a comprehensive picture of fluorine contamination is obtained, which is crucial particularly for the evaluation of environmental and health risks as well as for compliance with regulatory requirements.
The characteristics of fluorine
Because TF, as a sum parameter, includes both organic and inorganic fluorine compounds, it reflects the cumulative chemical presence of fluorine and therefore combines the characteristics of various compounds. The sum parameter includes AOF (adsorbable organic fluorine) and EOF (extractable organic fluorine) as well as total organic fluorine (TOF) including the fluorine related to PFASs as well as the total inorganic fluorine (TIF) in a sample.
Reactivity and electronegativity of fluorine
The halogen fluorine is, itself, the most reactive element in the periodic system and forms compounds with almost all other elements, including noble gases in certain conditions. This high reactivity of fluorine significantly influences the stability and the behaviour of the compounds containing fluorine in a sample. A further special characteristic of fluorine is its electronegativity – it has the highest value of all elements. This characteristic means that fluorine exercises a strong attraction force on electrons in compounds and in this way forms stable bonds, in particular with carbon.
This aspect contributes to the chemical and thermal stability of many compounds containing fluorine, for example polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, also known as Teflon) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). These compounds break down only very slowly in the environment and biological systems, contributing to their accumulation with potentially toxic effects. Fluoride ions can impede enzymes and disrupt biological processes; here toxicity varies depending on the compound and the concentration.
Hydrophobic and lipophilic characteristics of fluorine compounds
Furthermore, many organic fluorine compounds have hydrophobic (water-repelling) and lipophilic (lipid-dissolving) characteristics. These characteristics make them useful for applications such as water and dirt-repellent coatings, however they also involve risks of accumulation in biological tissue.
Why is it important to determine total fluorine?
By determining total fluorine (TF), a comprehensive overview of the chemical characteristics and overall levels of fluorine compounds in a sample is obtained. These characteristics are crucial for the evaluation of environmental risks and effects on human health, as well as for compliance with statutory regulations. The precise measurement of TF permits the early detection of potential hazards and the adoption of suitable measures for the protection of the environment and health.
Risks for the health
Certain fluorinated compounds such as some PFASs are potential carcinogens. They can increase the risk of various types of cancer and cause other serious health problems, including hormonal disorders, compromise the immune system and cause development problems in children. However, by means of the exact measurement of TF, potential hazards can be detected at an early stage and minimised.
The analysis of your sample
at Quality Analysis
way, we ensure your processes and products meet regulatory and ecological standards. We utilise the latest technology and have sound expertise for the identification of fluorine compounds using the sum parameters AOF, EOF, TOF and TF for an effective risk assessment.
- Analysis of the total fluorine content (TF) and the sum parameters TOF, AOF and EOF to determine the overall levels of PFASs in your sample
- Combustion ion chromatography (CIC) for precise, highly accurate results
- Efficient, reliable fluorine analysis by means of advanced sample preparation techniques such as solid phase extraction
- Broad applicability for many sectors including the management of environmental and water resources, the paper and packaging industries, textile industry, cosmetics industry and medical sector
The analysis of the sum parameter TF in the context of PFAS analytics
The determination of total fluorine permits the quantification of the total fluorine content in a sample, including the fluorine compounds known as PFASs. While conventional analytical methods can often only identify specific PFASs, the analysis of total fluorine provides a more comprehensive approach for the measurement of all compounds containing fluorine in a sample. This aspect is particularly important for the evaluation of the total exposure to PFASs and the development of effective measures for the protection of humans and the environment.
Determination of levels using combustion ion chromatography
Combustion ion chromatography (CIC) is used to determine total fluorine and the specific sum parameters. With this method, the sample is subjected to combustion in a high-temperature oven resulting in the conversion of all compounds containing fluorine into fluoride ions (F-). These fluoride ions are then quantified using ion chromatography. CIC is particularly effective, because it permits the precise, complete acquisition of all fluorine compounds in a sample.
Informative results by means of the analysis of the sum parameters
The analysis of the sum parameters is important, because it permits a detailed estimation of the fluorine contamination and therefore a more profound understanding of the specific compounds that contribute to the total fluorine levels. This information is particularly relevant for the monitoring of PFASs, because these compounds require special attention due to their persistence and bioaccumulation.
The numerous unknown PFAS compounds mean that a single-substance analysis may result in an inaccurate estimate. Notwithstanding ongoing standardisation work, sum parameters on the other hand provide valuable information about the scale and the physical extent of PFAS contamination. This holistic evaluation makes it possible to take comprehensive measures to control contamination and reduce risks. By combining the determination of TF with the specific sum parameters AOF, EOF and TOF, it is therefore possible to evaluate comprehensively the fluorine contamination.
Regulations related to compounds containing fluorine
The regulation of compounds containing fluorine, in particular per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), is of major importance due to their persistence and potential effects on health. Regulatory authorities worldwide have taken measures to minimise exposure to these substances and to protect public health and the environment.
Many countries have specified policies and limits for PFASs in water, soil and foodstuffs. For instance, with the EU Chemicals Regulation REACH (regulation (EC) no. 1907/2006), the European Union issued strict regulations about the restriction of certain PFASs in consumer goods and industrial processes. In the USA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has specified maximum contaminant levels for PFOA and PFOS, two of the most well-known PFASs, in drinking water. These measures are intended to reduce the exposure of the population to these harmful compounds.
Practical application of total fluorine analysis
Environmental analytics
Fluorine compounds can enter the environment and must be monitored to prevent ecological harm.
Water analytics
During the monitoring of drinking water, the measurement of fluorine is essential to ensure concentrations are within limits.
Foodstuff inspection
The monitoring of foodstuffs requires the measurement of fluorides to ensure safety and food quality.
Industrial process control
In various industrial applications, in particular during the manufacture of semiconductors, plastics and chemicals, checks on the fluorine content are important for product quality and safety.
Total fluorine (TF) in summary
Total fluorine (TF) is a sum parameter that measures the total amount of all organic and inorganic compounds containing fluorine in a sample. The determination of TF provides a comprehensive overview of the fluorine contamination and is crucial for the evaluation of environmental and health risks. The total fluorine content is quantified precisely by means of advanced analytical methods such as combustion ion chromatography (CIC).
