Analysis of PBDEs in Environmental Matrices Using GC-APCI MS/MS with Nitrogen Carrier Gas

Environmental Forensics
Poster Presentation

Presented by S. Oehrle
Prepared by D. Stevens1, D. Furlong2, S. Crombie2, P. Hancock3
1 - Waters Corporation, 34 Maple Street, Milford, Massachusetts, 01757, United States
2 - Environment and Climate Change Canada, Quebec Laboratory for Environmental Testing, Montreal, Quebec, H2Y 2E7, Canada
3 - Waters Corporation, Stamford Avenue, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 4AX, United Kingdom


Contact Information: [email protected]; 508-369-8311

ABSTRACT

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were used as flame retardants in a wide range of applications for decades due to their effectiveness in reducing fire risk. However, subsequent toxicological and environmental studies revealed that their persistence, bioaccumulation, and potential adverse health effects outweighed their benefits. These findings prompted regulatory actions worldwide, including national bans and international treaties aimed at verifying the elimination of PBDE production and use. Compliance with these regulations requires highly sensitive and specific analytical methods to accurately quantify PBDEs in environmental matrices. Historically, magnetic sector-based gas chromatography coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry (GC-HRMS) using electron ionization (EI) has been the gold standard for PBDE analysis, offering exceptional sensitivity and selectivity. These GC-HRMS systems also came with challenges though such as slow scanning/switching speeds, high lab space use and the requirement for substantial operator training and expertise.
In recent years, advancements in atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) for gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) have demonstrated performance comparable to, and in some cases exceeding, traditional EI HRMS methods. GC-APCI provides advantages such as improved ionization efficiency, compatibility with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), and reduced dependence on complex, high-resolution instrumentation. Additionally, the use of nitrogen as a carrier gas offers a sustainable alternative to helium, addressing supply and cost concerns associated with conventional GC methods.
This study evaluates the feasibility of modernizing PBDE analysis by implementing GC-APCI MS/MS with nitrogen carrier gas. The method was assessed for chromatographic performance, sensitivity, reproducibility and linear dynamic range. Results indicate that GC-APCI MS/MS achieves detection limits and quantitative performance suitable for routine PBDE monitoring of sediment, biota and water extracts, while offering operational and environmental benefits over legacy approaches. These findings support the adoption of GC-APCI MS/MS as a robust, cost effective, and sustainable alternative for PBDE analysis in regulatory and research applications.