Optimizing analytical strategies for the measurement of several classes of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water

Characterization of Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in the Environment
Oral Presentation

Prepared by

Contact Information: tarun.anumol@agilent.com; 302-419-8909


ABSTRACT

Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been discovered to be ubiquitous in the environment. These compounds have highly desirable properties that make their use in industry and manufacture essential. However, PFASs are also extremely persistent, bioaccumulate and potentially toxic to humans and wildlife. Traditionally, the perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs)and sulfonic acids (PFSAs) have been the most studied classes and as a result the two most commonly used homologues perfluoro octanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluoro octane sulfonate (PFOS) have been regulated or phased out in the EU, US and other parts of the world. Consequently, alternate classes of PFAS have been used as replacements and their occurrence, fate and toxicity is less well known. This study developed a single analytical method for 30 PFAS using LC-MS/MS. The PFAS classes analyzed included the PFCAs, PFSAs, fluorotelomer sulfonates (FTSs), fluorotelomer acids (FTAs, and FTUAs), perfluorosulfonamides (FOSAs), perfluorosulfonamidoacetic acids (FOSAAs) and others. Three different sample preparation methods including conventional solid-phase extraction (SPE), online SPE and large volume direct injection were evaluated. Method performance characteristics including recovery, precision, method detection limits, spike recoveries and others were evaluated and will be presented.