Simplified Analysis of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Surface Waters, Wastewaters and Soil Matrices Based on ASTM Methods
Characterization of Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in the Environment
Poster Presentation
Presented by T. Anumol
Prepared by A. Santos, D. Wong, T. Anumol, D. Walker
Agilent Technologies, 2850 Centerville Rd, Wilmington, DE, 19808, United States
Contact Information: andre_santos@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, PFAS are also extremely persistent, bioaccumulate and potentially toxic to humans and wildlife. These compounds are currently the subject of regulation and much public and research attention. The measurement of these compounds at ng/L levels though is quite tricky and challenging. The need for standard methodologies to measure them in the environment is critical for establishing baselines and future regulatory decisions.
When dealing with several different water matrices, it is critical to have a robust method with reduced complexity and simple sample preparation to allow for widespread and high-throughput analysis. This study investigated the analysis of 23 PFAS compounds present in the ASTM 7979 and 7968 in surfacewater, wastewater, ground water and solid matrices based on prescribed sample preparation methods. We will also discuss special teflon free plumbing procedures to make the instrument free from PFAS interferences. A simple dilution and pH change was performed and then extracts were analyzed on an LC-MS/MS in accordance with the ASTM procedures. Due to the sensitivity of the mass spectrometer, detection limits sub 10 ng/L were achieved to meet and exceed those prescribed by the ASTM method. The results of this study will show the spike recoveries, robustness , precision and accuracy of the analytical method.
Characterization of Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in the Environment
Poster Presentation
Presented by T. Anumol
Prepared by A. Santos, D. Wong, T. Anumol, D. Walker
Agilent Technologies, 2850 Centerville Rd, Wilmington, DE, 19808, United States
Contact Information: andre_santos@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, PFAS are also extremely persistent, bioaccumulate and potentially toxic to humans and wildlife. These compounds are currently the subject of regulation and much public and research attention. The measurement of these compounds at ng/L levels though is quite tricky and challenging. The need for standard methodologies to measure them in the environment is critical for establishing baselines and future regulatory decisions.
When dealing with several different water matrices, it is critical to have a robust method with reduced complexity and simple sample preparation to allow for widespread and high-throughput analysis. This study investigated the analysis of 23 PFAS compounds present in the ASTM 7979 and 7968 in surfacewater, wastewater, ground water and solid matrices based on prescribed sample preparation methods. We will also discuss special teflon free plumbing procedures to make the instrument free from PFAS interferences. A simple dilution and pH change was performed and then extracts were analyzed on an LC-MS/MS in accordance with the ASTM procedures. Due to the sensitivity of the mass spectrometer, detection limits sub 10 ng/L were achieved to meet and exceed those prescribed by the ASTM method. The results of this study will show the spike recoveries, robustness , precision and accuracy of the analytical method.
