Tim P. Sidnell, Simone C. Mathias, David P. Megson, Patrick J. Sears, Madeleine J. Bussemaker
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Rationale
Analysis of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is typically achieved using chromatographic techniques, such as high-performance liquid chromatography, combined with mass spectrometry. These techniques can be complex, expensive, time consuming and can lead to inaccurate quantification due to sample container sorption and contamination by polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) components.
Methods
Here, we demonstrate the novel application of a Direct Probe ionisation Mass Spectrometer (DPiMS) to quantify four aqueous anionic PFAS; perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (6:2 fluorotelomer surfactant). The DPiMS was operated in both Single Ion Monitoring (SIM) and broad m/z scan range (50–500) modes and the cleaning methodology, ionising voltage and desolvation line heating temperature were optimised.
Results
The derived method quantified both single component and mixtures of PFAS from 0.5 nM to 200 μM (0.2 ppb to 108 ppm) without use of pre-concentration. The advantages of this technique over chromatographic techniques are; the speed of analysis (≈3.5 min per sample, including blanks/cleaning), lack of PTFE components and simplified methodology.
Conclusions
The DPiMS is a useful tool for the rapid screening and estimation of PFAS concentrations with results that are comparable to existing methods. It is anticipated that better sensitivity could be achieved with the use of a triple quadrupole instrument.
期刊介绍:
Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry is a journal whose aim is the rapid publication of original research results and ideas on all aspects of the science of gas-phase ions; it covers all the associated scientific disciplines. There is no formal limit on paper length ("rapid" is not synonymous with "brief"), but papers should be of a length that is commensurate with the importance and complexity of the results being reported. Contributions may be theoretical or practical in nature; they may deal with methods, techniques and applications, or with the interpretation of results; they may cover any area in science that depends directly on measurements made upon gaseous ions or that is associated with such measurements.