Determination of Perfluorooctane Sulfonyl Compounds (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic Acid Substances (PFOA) in Leather and Fur

Regarding the determination of perfluorooctane sulfonyl compounds (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid substances (PFOA) in leather and fur, the comprehensive relevant information is as follows:

National Standard Basis

Standard Name: "Leather and Fur—Chemical Tests—Determination of Perfluorooctane Sulfonyl Compounds (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic Acid Substances (PFOA)" Standard Number: GB/T 36929-2018

Responsible and Supervisory Authority: Under the purview of the National Technical Committee for Standardization of Leather Industry (TC252), supervised by the China National Light Industry Council

Standard Status: As of March 2025, this standard remains currently valid

Testing Methods and Techniques

Sample Pretreatment: Leather samples are extracted using the Soxhlet extraction with methanol method to isolate target compounds. The extract is purified via anion solid-phase extraction (SPE) to remove impurities. Textile samples are processed using methanol ultrasonic extraction, followed by concentration before detection.

Detection Technique: Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is employed for quantitative analysis, with calibration performed using the external standard method.

Technical Improvements: Early studies faced issues such as low extraction efficiency and impurity interference. Subsequent research has optimized Soxhlet extraction conditions and improved purification processes, enhancing detection sensitivity and accuracy.

Significance and Impact of the Standard

Industry Regulation: This standard provides a technical basis for environmental supervision in the leather and fur industry, helping to standardize production processes and reduce the risk of PFOS and PFOA residues.

International Alignment: It aligns with testing standards from countries such as those in Europe and America, enhancing the competitiveness of Chinese leather products in the international market.

Policy Support: PFOS and PFOA are listed as key controlled substances in the "List of Key Controlled New Pollutants (2023 Edition)" jointly issued by seven departments, including the Ministry of Ecology and Environment. This standard offers technical support for their detection.

Application Prospects: With the global strengthening of regulations on persistent organic pollutants (POPs), the implementation of this standard will promote the transition of the leather industry toward green production and provide technical specifications for relevant testing institutions.