National Environmental Monitoring Conference

Poly- and perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) have been manufactured since the 1950s but were only recognized as global environmental pollutants in 2001.   global abiotic and biotic populations, with hundreds of PFAS compounds identified to date.  Comprehensive and sensitive analytical techniques are essential to adequately determine environmental risk and quantify human exposure, high resolution accurate mass spectrometry techniques to measure PFAS in the environment.  Specifically, the presentation will discuss the use of non-target analysis (NTA) to characterize PFAS compounds in AFFF contaminated ground water, including PFAS dark matter (e.g., novel PFAS).  Samples were analyzed using the SCIEX X500R QTOF system with SWATH® and high resolution MRM (MRM-HR) data acquisition modes.  SWATH® is unique to SCIEX instruments and is a data independent acquisition technique that enhances analyte confirmation and identification.  Compound identification was confirmed by comparing experimental MS/MS spectra to those in the SCIEX PFAS mass spectral library containing both legacy (e.g. PFOS, PFOA) and AFFF-derived PFAS compounds.  The advantages of PFAS quantification with MRM-HR will also be discussed.