TOP Assay

High school (ages 12+)
Science & Technology

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/top-assay

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the year of introduction?2012
2. What is the core principle?Oxidative conversion of precursor compounds to PFCAs for total quantification
3. What is the TOP Assay and why is it called a mystery solver?The TOP Assay is a special test that looks for hidden chemicals called PFAS in places like water and soil. It’s called a mystery solver because it turns hard‑to‑see precursor chemicals into ones that can be measured, revealing the full amount of pollution.
4. How does the TOP Assay find hidden PFAS chemicals in water?It uses a strong chemical called potassium peroxodisulfate and heat to break down precursor chemicals into perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs). Scientists then measure how many PFCAs appear, which tells them how many precursors were hiding.

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): A large group of man-made chemicals known for their persistence and widespread environmental presence.