Ultra-fast LC-MS/MS Analysis of PFAS in Environmental Samples

There is increasing concern about the persistence and effects of Per- and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances (PFAS) in the environment. This white paper summarizes the state-of-the-art analytical methods for monitoring PFAS and demonstrates the use, speed and performance of Shimadzu Ultra-fast Mass Spectrometry (UFMS) for PFAS analysis in environmental waters. The described method consists of a simple methanol dilution, followed by a direct injection to LC-MS/MS. The Triple Quadrupole MS, LCMS-8060, was used in this study to effectively separate and quantify 49 PFAS, with all compounds eluting within 13 minutes. The stability of PFAS and the effect of solvents, vials and vortex on the recovery were studied. Method detection limit of 0.6 – 5.4 ng/L, recovery of 84 – 113% and calibration range of 5 – 200 ng/L were achieved for 94% of the PFAS compounds studied, including all the compounds listed in ASTM D7979. With high scan speed and short dwell time, the Shimadzu LCMS-8060 demonstrates to be fast, sensitive, and robust for PFAS analysis in environmental waters.