Highly sensitive targeted and non-targeted HPLC-MS analysis of PFAS

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental pollutants known for their long lifetime and mobility. Their stability leads to accumulation in groudwater and soil, with proven harmful health effects. To mitigate environmental pollution, several PFAS compounds, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), and long-chain perfluoroalkyl caboxylic acid (C9-C14), are now regulated.

This technical note presents a method for identifying and quantifying using a YMC-Triart C18 HPLC column. This column based on a robust hybrid silica particle, offers enhanced separation of isomers and improved analytical performance when coupled with mass spectrometry.

PFAS Standards (Table3) were analysed at concentration ranging from 5-100 ngml. The standards could be well resolved by the YMC-Triart column (Table 1). Notably, partial separation of PFOS and PFHxS isomers within 10 seconds facilitated fragmentation pattern analysis for structural elucidation. 

For perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs), higher peak intensities were observed for longer carbonchains as expected (Figure 1b). Additionally, CO2-loss ions exhibited remarkably higher intensities than the primary molucular ions (Figure 1c), Calibration curves (Figure2) demonstrated a linear quantification range, and carry-over tests confirmed no residual analytes after injections of 100ng/ml. These results highlight the YMC-Triart column's suitability for robust PFAS analysis.

Non-targeted analysis in a soil extract

Conclusion

The YMC-Triart C18 Column demonstrates robust performance for PFAS analysis. It delivers.