Determination and Characterisation of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS’s) in Environmental Samples

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS’s) are a class of man-made compounds that are frequently detected in biological and environmental samples. PFAS’s are used in a multitude of commercial/industrial processes and products, ranging from fire-fighting foams, insecticide formulations, water-resistant coatings, and floor polishes, to oil-resistant coatings for paper products approved for food contact. As with many anthropogenic compounds, the incidence of cancers resulting from exposure has become a cause for concern.

In this application note we explore the use of the ACQUITY UPLC I-Class System combined with ion mobility as an important tool for the unequivocal identification of PFOS isomers in environmental samples. This technique has been utilised to analyse a series of environmental extracts, including mink and fish muscle, to determine the presence of PFOS. There are some unique advantages to profiling complex matrices using this technique which employs a combination of high resolution mass spectrometry, with high efficiency ion mobility-based measurements and separations. Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) is a rapid, orthogonal, gas phase separation technique which allows another dimension of separation to be obtained within an LC timeframe. Compounds can be differentiated based on size, shape, and charge. In addition, both precursor ion and fragment ion information can be acquired in a single injection for all components analysed.