Increased Confidence in PFAS Detection and Identification in Complex Matrices with High Resolution Mass SpectrometryEmerging Environmental Applications for High Resolution Mass Spectrometry
Poster Presentation
Prepared by S. Dowd1, K. Organtini2, K. Stup3, K. Rosnack3
1 - Waters Corporation, 34 Maple Street, Milford, MA, 01757, United States
2 - Waters Corporation, 34 Maple St, Milford, MA, 07157, United States
3 - Waters Corporation, 34 Maple St, Milford, MA, 01757, United States
Contact Information: [email protected]; 978-810-2891
ABSTRACT
The extensive use and persistent environmental presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have raised significant concern due to their potential adverse health. Current testing methods for PFAS utilize LC-MS/MS and focus on a short list of PFAS. As testing for PFAS has expanded beyond drinking water to environmental and biological matrices, there is a greater chance of interference in the detection of PFAS with LC-MS/MS. Non-targeted analysis (NTA) with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) is a promising technique for the detection of known PFAS and identification of new PFAS. The high mass resolving power and excellent mass accuracy (<2ppm) on the Waters Xevo™ MRT mass spectrometer make it a powerful tool for NTA of PFAS. To evaluate NTA with the Xevo MRT HRMS, seafood samples that were prepared for EPA method 1633 were analyzed. This analysis revealed three key advantages over traditional LC-MS/MS workflows: 1) greater confidence in identification of PFAS with a single MRM transition, 2) reduction of false positives in PFAS detection caused by interfering ions, and 3) the ability to identify PFAS that are not included in the targeted method. These findings demonstrate the power and potential of LC-HRMS as a complimentary technique for PFAS testing in complex samples.
