PFAS Analysis Using a Novel Ttriple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer: EPA 533 and 1633APer- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in the Environment
Poster Presentation
Prepared by C. Butt1, H. Lee2, P. Bassignani3, N. Sorelle4
1 - SCIEX, 250 Forest Street, Marlborough, MA, 01752, United States
2 - SCIEX Canada, 71 Four Valley Dr, Concord, Ontario, L4K 4V8, Canada
3 - Pace Analytical, 320 Forbes Blvd, Mansfield, MA, 02048, United States
4 - Pace Analytical, 320 Forbes Blvd, Mansfield, MA, 02048, United States
Contact Information: [email protected]; 770-324-5163
ABSTRACT
Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent global contaminants of concern due to their widespread occurrence in water, environmental media, wildlife, and humans, as well as their potential chronic health impacts. In response, regulatory limits and guidelines for PFAS have been established in many regions, particularly for drinking and surface waters. Comprehensive monitoring of additional matrices, including wastewater, soils, sediments, and biological tissues, is essential for understanding PFAS fate, transport, and exposure pathways. In the United States, EPA Method 533 is commonly used for drinking water analysis, while EPA Method 1633A supports PFAS determination in environmental waters, solids, and tissues. This study demonstrates the application of both methods using a novel triple quadrupole mass spectrometer to achieve robust and sensitive PFAS quantitation. The novel instruments features several notable advancements to improve overall lab efficiency.
Initial Demonstration of Capability (IDC) requirements for EPA Methods 533 and 1633A were evaluated using laboratory reagent blanks, calibration standards, laboratory fortified blanks, and real-world drinking water and environmental samples. Sample preparation followed EPA protocols. Method 533 employed solid phase extraction (SPE) for sample concentration and cleanup, while Method 1633A used matrix-specific extraction procedures followed by cleanup with WAX/GCB stacked SPE cartridges. All analyses were performed using a modified LC-MS/MS system with fluoropolymer tubing replaced by PEEK to minimize background contamination.
For Method 533, calibration curves demonstrated excellent linearity across the full range (0.25–100 ng/mL), with low-level calibration standards achieving accuracies of approximately 90–100%. Replicate calibration sets showed <10% coefficient of variation, and reagent blanks met method reporting limit (MRL) criteria. Laboratory fortified blanks at 0.5 and 10 ng/mL produced recoveries between 93% and 120%, meeting EPA acceptance criteria. Real-world drinking water samples contained detectable PFAS at low concentrations. For Method 1633A, all analytes were detected with good signal-to-noise and accuracy at the lowest calibration levels, and laboratory fortified blanks met EPA recovery and precision requirements.
