An Integrated Solution for Over 100 PFAS Compounds in Drinking and Surface Water by Triple Quadrupole LC/MS

Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in the Environment
Poster Presentation

Prepared by A. Zou1, M. Giardina2, R. Garnica2, T. Anumol2, F. Mavandadi3, L. New1
1 - Agilent Technologies, Yishun Avenue 1, Singapore, Singapore, 768923, Singapore
2 - Agilent Technologies, Inc, 2850 Centerville Road, Wilmington, DE, DE, 19808, United States
3 - Agilent Technologies, Inc, 5301 Stevens Creek Blvd, Santa Clara, CA, 95051, United States


Contact Information: [email protected]; 92399370

ABSTRACT

Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals widely used in consumer products and industrial processes with known adverse impacts on the environment and public health. Multiple single-class standard analytical methods are available for analyzing PFAS in drinking water and non-potable water by diverse regulatory initiatives across various regions. However, the rapid evolution of the guidelines demands frequent method re-optimizations and refinements for confident analysis. It is a real challenge for laboratories to keep up with the regulatory changes for PFAS analysis in different matrices, which negatively impacts lab productivity. To help this situation, we developed an integrated PFAS solution, offering a sample preparation method, a comprehensive multi-class MRM Database (DB) and a ready-to-install eMethod.
108 native and isotopically labeled targets from 14 PFAS groups encompassing EPA, ASTM, ISO methods, and EU DWD plus emerging compounds were covered in the MRM databases compatible with three different triple quadruple models. The database also includes instrument-specific acquisition parameters, MRM transitions, and valuable metadata of targets.
The analytical performance of the eMethod in drinking water and surface water was verified on an Agilent 1290 Infinity II UHPLC system interfaced with a 6470 Triple Quadrupole LC/MS. The UHPLC system was fitted with an Agilent PFC-Free HPLC Conversion Kit to minimize background PFAS contamination. A solid phase extraction (SPE) protocol using a weak anion exchange cartridge was developed for the extraction of the analytes from the water matrices. Method detection limits were determined using ultrapure water samples and ranged from 0.14 to 14 ng/L for the majority of PFAS. With the help of DB and ready-to-run eMethod in the Agilent PFAS solution, it is easy for a customer to create regulatory-based MRM sub-methods, such as the USA EPA Methods 537.1 and 533, the USA EPA Method 8327, ASTM 7979, and the ISO methods.