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Strategic usage of non-targeted analysis to supplement PFAS investigations
Citation:
McCord, J., M. Strynar, AND J. Bangma. Strategic usage of non-targeted analysis to supplement PFAS investigations. SETAC Europe 33rd Annual Meeting, NA, Dublin, IRELAND, April 30 - May 04, 2023.
Impact/Purpose:
A presentation concerning the use of high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) investigations for the discovery of novel PFAS in environmental samples is a critical first step in future research steps and decisions. Industrial use and production facility site investigations offer insight into contemporary and future analytical needs.
Description:
Industrial producers and users of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) have been a major source of chemical contamination to nearby communities due to historical releases of legacy PFAS. Following the general phase-out of legacy PFAS such as PFOA/PFOS, industrial usage has shifted to alternative PFAS chemicals and it has been the domain of non-targeted analysis (NTA) to identify replacement species. Environmental and public health organizations have a significant interest in identifying emerging chemical contaminants such as PFAS due to concerns for potential widespread release and the persistence and bioaccumulation of PFAS species. As such, over the last several years the office of research and development has applied non-targeted analytical approaches alongside traditional targeted PFAS quantitation techniques to expand the coverage of PFAS information in uniquely impacted locations. EPA partnerships with state and regional governments have examined novel PFAS classes including novel PFAS fluoroether species exhibiting ether linkages and acid head groups, chlorinated perfluoropolyethers (ClPFPECAs), and polyfluorinated side products of polyfluorovinylidine (PVDF); identified specific replacement chemicals used in applications such as metal plating and PFOS-free AFFF; identified the presence of these replacement PFAS in local media, including biota; and been used to support the effectiveness of various PFAS remediation techniques on legacy and novel PFAS. This presentation will discuss case studies of recent work by EPA ORD in NTA investigations of PFAS sources. Examination of effluent impacted media indicates that in the absence of treatment that there is frequent presence of effluent-derived contaminants from industrial sources, even in the case of “non-contact” processes; source examination contains both intentionally added chemical species and production byproducts as common origins for emerging PFAS; and non-targeted interrogation of water treatment approaches for emerging contaminants indicates that existing PFAS treatment technologies can be effective control for many undescribed PFAS species. The talk will additionally discuss efforts to ensure the consistent application of NTA approaches, transparent reporting of NTA results, and decision making using non-targeted analysis.
