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4 November 2025

Metir plc

("Metir" or the "Company")

Metir and Swansea University advance field-ready PFAS detection technology

Successful feasibility of 'Lab in a Van' solution positions Metir at the forefront of sustainable PFAS monitoring amid rising regulatory focus

Metir plc (AIM: MET), a global leader in mobile and point-of-use water and environmental testing, announces progress in its collaboration with Swansea University to develop next-generation methods for detecting PFAS 'forever chemicals'.

Continuing media and regulatory attention have underscored the urgent need for more effective monitoring tools, as new evidence reveals widespread PFAS contamination in water and soil, carrying significant risks to human health. With authorities reviewing potential limits and clean-up mandates, the ability to detect PFAS quickly and sustainably in the field has never been more important. In parallel, Metir is engaging with relevant UK authorities and industry bodies on its unique technology.

Research led by Dr Ruth Godfrey at Swansea University has demonstrated the feasibility of integrating portable liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS) with innovative low-waste extraction materials, enabling the creation of a compact 'Lab in a Van' system. This field-deployable platform enables rapid and accurate detection of PFAS in water, soil, effluent, and biological samples on-site, significantly reducing analysis turnaround time and environmental impact compared to traditional laboratory methods. PFAS levels of health concern are so low (parts per trillion) that testing conventional grab samples is a suboptimal method because collection, transportation to, and delays at the laboratory can easily result in corrupted samples with inaccurate results.

It is almost certain that forms of PFAS chemicals will continue to be manufactured into the future as non-replaceable production processes for many essential applications. The waste streams of these industries will be closely controlled and monitored. Very accurate PFAS detection and measurement technologies that Metir can supply will be able to fulfil this need.

Metir supported the programme through a three-and-a-half-year PhD sponsorship that confirmed its proprietary mass spectrometry platform can identify a broader range of PFAS compounds with exceptional accuracy and sensitivity. Successful field trials on a Welsh river in April 2025 validated the technology's real-world capability. Metir continues to collaborate with its large US-based distribution and instrumentation partner to optimise and scale the detector for potential commercial deployment, particularly in the US market. A recent visit to the partner's facilities in the US confirms the progress being made.

By combining Swansea University's academic excellence with Metir's expertise in sustainable mobile testing solutions, the partnership is advancing a vital tool for addressing one of the world's most persistent environmental challenges. These innovations will help regulators, utilities, and industries meet increasingly stringent environmental standards and enhance public health protection against PFAS exposure.

Bob Moore, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Metir plc, said:

"PFAS contamination is one of today's most pressing environmental and health challenges. Our partnership with Swansea University and collaboration with our US partner accelerates the development of practical, scalable detection technologies while creating a strong commercial opportunity for Metir. This is a clear example of our strategy to turn cutting-edge science into field-ready solutions."

Dr Ruth Godfrey, Associate Professor in LCMS at Swansea University, added:

"Our research focuses on translating laboratory excellence into practical technologies. Partnering with Metir allows us to create deployable systems that address urgent monitoring needs and provide a sustainable route to tackling the PFAS problem at scale."

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About Metir

Metir plc is a leading global provider of mobile and point-of-use water and environmental testing technology. Through its two established divisions, Modern Water and Microsaic Systems, the Company develops and supplies innovative, easy-to-use solutions that deliver rapid, accurate water quality results, helping industries, utilities and regulators monitor safety and compliance in real time.

With a strong focus on data-driven insight and field-ready design, Metir's technology supports critical decision-making across sectors, including environmental monitoring, public health and industrial process management.

Headquartered in York, UK, Metir serves worldwide customers and is dedicated to advancing water testing standards through innovative, accessible solutions.

For more information, please visit  https://www.metirplc.com