Essential information for detecting and quantifying novel PFAS and GenX by mass spectrometry

Importance of the Topic

Ongoing production of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances calls for sensitive and reliable analytical methods
PFAS include thousands of distinct chemicals such as PFOA PFOS and emerging compounds like GenX with limited toxicity data
Environmental monitoring labs face challenges from complex sample matrices low concentration analytes and evolving regulatory demands

Aims and Overview of the Article

This application note outlines best practices for identification and quantification of novel PFAS including GenX by LC MS MS
Key objectives include deployment of robust methods regulatory compliance and rapid adaptation to new PFAS targets

Methodology and Instrumentation Used

Analytical method

• Sample screening in drinking water following EPA method 537.1 guidelines for quality control reporting and sample handling
• Negative ion mode electrospray for enhanced sensitivity to low level PFAS

Instrument platform

• SCIEX Triple Quad 4500 LC MS MS system incorporated with QTRAP QJet ion guide LINAC collision cell and AcQuRate pulse counting detector for high sensitivity dynamic range and throughput
• Fast eQ electronics enabling rapid polarity switching and scan speeds suitable for high throughput UHPLC workflows

Main Results and Discussion

The SCIEX platform achieved consistent quantification of multiple PFAS including GenX across high and low concentration ranges with minimal downtime
The system delivered over one hundred fold gains in sensitivity under ion trap modes and preserved quantitative accuracy over extended runs
Rapid data processing and a growing MS MS spectral library simplified confirmation of known and emerging PFAS compounds

Benefits and Practical Applications of the Method

The method supports routine environmental monitoring of drinking water compliance testing and research on PFAS fate and transport
High throughput reliable quantitation reduces sample backlog and accelerates decision making for environmental agencies and industrial customers

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Expansion of PFAS target lists through high resolution screening and non target workflows
Integration of automated sample preparation and cloud based data analytics for real time monitoring
Development of standardized libraries for novel PFAS to address emerging regulatory requirements

Conclusion

Advances in LC MS MS instrumentation methods and spectral libraries enable laboratories to identify and quantify a broad range of PFAS with confidence
Adoption of these workflows promotes efficient regulatory compliance reduces analytical risk and supports environmental protection efforts