A Single LC-MS/MS Platform for EPA PFAS Regulated Methods with a Novel Dual Channel Liquid Chromatography Option to Improve Productivity and Flexibility

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in the Environment
Oral Presentation

Prepared by E. George1, J. Moriceau2, V. Thibert3, A. Ganci3, J. Garnier3
1 - Thermo Fisher Scientific, 55 River Oaks Pkwy, San Jose, CA, 95134, United States
2 - Thermo Fisher Scientific, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Courtaboeuf, , France
3 - Thermo Fisher Scientific, Thermo Fisher Scientific, , Courtaboeuf, France


Contact Information: [email protected]; 408-300-4267

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are currently regulated in the United States by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and state governments. Recently, the EPA set legally enforceable limits for six types of PFAS in drinking water in April 2024 under the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWR).

Methods such as EPA 537.1, 533, and 1633 require tandem mass spectrometry for detection and quantitation. For these regulated methods, we describe a compliant, LC-MS/MS configuration that can be used for all 3, which includes LC and MS data acquisition methods with data processing and reporting packaged in convenient e-workflows within the Chromeleon™ Chromatography Data System (CDS) Software. The novel aspect of this new solution is the ability to use a dual LC system with seamless integration and single-point control of the two independent flow paths. This allows advantages over stand-alone single channel LC-MS/MS systems such as: a) Saving column equilibration time between injections for increased productivity; 2) Analysis of high-concentration samples on one channel to prevent cross-contamination; 3) Option to add a short-chain method on one channel, which will require a different column configuration, and easily combine and process both channels in a single data file and 4) A multi-purpose single analytical system that will reduce warranty contract costs when compared to 2 independent LC-MS/MS systems.

In addition, we created a dual LC channel PFAS quantitative workflow on Orbitrap HRMS, which has recently become popular within laboratories requiring expansion of PFAS analysis beyond the scope of regulated methods. The dual column set-up used columns of differing stationary phase on each channel and then subsequently combined them into a single data file, offering 2 different retention times for each target PFAS. The Orbitrap provided high resolution, high mass accuracy data, and allows for retrospective analysis, along with the ability to easily add new targets to the method.
Data and analyte list for the short-chain methodology, standard EPA methods data, and Orbitrap data will be discussed in terms of sensitivity, accuracy, precision, and calibration range.