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

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.

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Minimising Carryover During Dioxin Analysis

The Waters Xevo TQ-S with Atmospheric Pressure GC (APGC) provides a very sensitive detection system for the accurate determination of dioxins and furans at regulatory levels. During the analysis of samples of an unknown concentration, extremely high levels of these compounds may be observed. Therefore there is the potential for carryover of target compounds into the following sample injection. The consequence of this would be a falsely elevated quantitative result. In this technology brief, confident and accurate analysis of dioxins and furans can be performed using the prescribed method. Carryover was significantly reduced to 0.007% which is a 20-fold decrease compared to the original values. This virtually eliminated the chance of a false positive result.

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Screening Environmental Samples for a Diverse Range of Compounds With Accurate Mass LC-MS and an Integrated Scientific Information System

The presence of an increasingly complex array of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in water bodies throughout the world is placing a greater demand on techniques used to screen for these compounds. In combination with UNIFI, an integrated scientific information system, it is now possible to screen for the presence of PPCPs, their fragments, adducts, and potential metabolites in a routine laboratory environment. This application note describes the use of Waters Screening Platform Solution in combination with the UNIFI Toxicology library to screen a local well water sample for the presence of a large number (>1000) of PPCPs, pesticides, and drugs of abuse.

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