Looking to Expand Drinking Water Testing Capabilities? Equip your laboratory with a compliant EPA method testing solution!

Significance of the Topic

Effective monitoring of per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking and environmental waters is essential due to their persistence, bioaccumulation and potential health effects. Regulatory agencies such as the EPA have established stringent methods and reporting limits, driving the need for robust, high-throughput analytical workflows that deliver accurate, reproducible results.

Objectives and Overview

This application note presents a complete PFAS testing solution designed to help laboratories expand their drinking water and environmental monitoring capabilities. The primary objectives are:

• To equip laboratories with an EPA-compliant LC-MS/MS platform for routine PFAS analysis
• To streamline sample preparation and reduce downtime through a bundled consumables kit
• To provide ready-to-use software templates and training for rapid implementation of Method 537.1 and DoD QSM 5.1

Methodology and Instrumentation

Laboratories adopt a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry approach combining electrospray ionization and APCI for comprehensive PFAS coverage. Sample preparation uses solid-phase extraction cartridges tailored to specific analyte chemistries. Chromatographic separation is achieved on C18 phases with optimized particle sizes and column dimensions.

Instrumentation

• Triple Quad 3500 mass spectrometer with TurboV source (ESI and APCI probes)
• Exion LC AC HPLC with column oven
• Peak Genius 1024 nitrogen generator
• Analyst TQ Software suite with EPA method templates
• Consumables kit including delay column, multiple analytical C18 columns, SPE tubes (reversed phase, ion exchange, graphitized carbon), autosampler vials and sample reservoirs

Main Results and Discussion

Key performance benefits observed include:

• Higher throughput: ability to quantify a greater number of PFAS compounds in a single run without loss of data quality
• Enhanced selectivity and sensitivity: low-level detection of target analytes across a wide dynamic range
• Improved accuracy and robustness: consistent quantitation at concentrations spanning regulatory limits
• Efficient sample preparation: use of specialized SPE phases to minimize matrix effects and improve recovery

Proficiency testing schedules for water supply and pollution matrices are available quarterly, with typical concentration ranges between 50 and 1000 ng/L and guidance reporting limits provided for each analyte.

Benefits and Practical Applications of the Method

The integrated solution enables environmental and drinking water laboratories to:

• Rapidly implement EPA Method 537.1 and DoD QSM 5.1 workflows
• Reduce method development time through prevalidated columns and software templates
• Maintain compliance with NELAC proficiency testing and state-specific analyte requirements
• Scale throughput to meet growing sample volumes without compromising data integrity

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Emerging PFAS analytes and derivatives will require expanded analytical panels and novel sample prep chemistries. Advances in high-resolution and ion mobility MS, automation of SPE workflows, and enhanced software for data processing will further improve sensitivity, selectivity and laboratory efficiency. Widespread adoption of certified reference materials and standardized proficiency testing will continue to drive method harmonization.

Conclusion

The SCIEX Triple Quad 3500 system combined with a dedicated consumables kit and software templates offers a turnkey solution for PFAS analysis in water. By delivering high throughput, selectivity and dynamic range, this platform supports regulatory compliance and helps laboratories meet increasing demand for reliable environmental monitoring.

Reference

AB Sciex 2019 Triple Quad 3500 System Brochure
Phenomenex 2019 PFAS Consumables Kit Data Sheet