Solving Analytical Challenges in PFAS Testing: Increasing Instrument Robustness to Extend Instrument CalibrationPer- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in the Environment
Poster Presentation
Presented by K. Stup
Prepared by K. Organtini1, D. Gould2, P. Hancock2, N. Meruva1
1 - Waters Corporation, 34 Maple St, Milford, MA, 01757, United States
2 - Waters Corporation, Stamford Avenue, Altrincham Road, Wilmslow, Chesire, United Kingdom
Contact Information: [email protected]; 508-482-3242
ABSTRACT
With EPA Method 1633 becoming a foundation for PFAS analysis in complex environmental matrices, laboratories are taking on many challenging types of samples. Wastewater, landfill leachate and biosolids are some of the more complex matrix types covered by EPA 1633. Even with the extensive sample extraction and solid phase extraction (SPE) cleanup required by the method, these matrices can remain a challenge for a mass spectrometer with unwanted matrix ions entering the detector, which in turn can contaminate the quadrupoles. Over time as the system gets dirty, this can negatively affect signal response, making it difficult to stay within the data quality guidelines set by the method, and ultimately increasing the need to frequently re-acquire calibration curves.
This study demonstrates a solution to this issue using a new high sensitivity tandem quadrupole mass spectrometer utilizing a slotted bandpass ion guide to filter high m/z ions, preventing them from building up on the quadrupole and effectively increasing system robustness. Environmental water, landfill leachate and biosolids were prepared in accordance with EPA Method 1633 guidelines. Each sample matrix was injected 30 times per day over several weeks, with solvent quality control (QC) samples analysed at regular intervals throughout the analytical sequence.
System performance was evaluated for 42 PFAS analytes, during which quality control checks remained within ±30% tolerance, all quantified against a single calibration curve over the course of 5 weeks.
