Analysis of Neutral PFAS in Diverse Matrices Using Advanced GC-MS Techniques

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

Presented by R. Marfil-Vega
Prepared by R. Kitano, N. Iwasa, Y. Higashi, M. Furuta, K. Obayashi, R. Kitano
Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, 1 Nishinokyo Kuwabara-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto, 604-8511, Japan


Contact Information: [email protected]; 81758231087

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are increasingly regulated worldwide due to their environmental persistence and bioaccumulation. While ionic PFAS are commonly analyzed by LC-MS/MS, there is a growing need for robust methods to quantify volatile and semi-volatile neutral PFAS across diverse sample types. This study presents a comprehensive analytical framework using gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (GC-MS) to address the challenges of detecting neutral PFAS in both gaseous and solid matrices.
For volatile components, a thermal desorption (TD)-GC/MS approach was evaluated to enhance throughput and sensitivity. By optimizing the selection of multi-layered adsorbent tubes (e.g., Tenax TA and Carboxen 1000), we successfully addressed the issue of analyte breakthrough, achieving good recoveries (77 – 106 %) and excellent linearity (R > 0.998) for compounds such as fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs). This solvent-free technique provides a streamlined workflow for capturing volatile PFAS.
Furthermore, for complex solid type samples, a high-sensitivity method using triple quadrupole gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (GC-MS/MS) was developed to meet stringent global regulatory limits, such as the 0.025 mg/kg threshold (currently required in Europe). The use of a high-efficiency ion source ensured stable, trace-level detection without the need for extensive sample pre-concentration.
By TD-GC/MS for direct gas-phase analysis and optimized GC-MS/MS for solid matrix screening, this study offers versatile workflows for neutral PFAS. In the presentation, we will report outcomes from the method development and validation, including among others: chromatography conditions, linearity, sensitivity and recoveries.