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Using High Resolution Mass Spectrometry for Environmental Forensics for New and Emerging PFAS from Industrial Production and Use Sites (January 2024 AWMA)
Citation:
Strynar, M., J. McCord, AND J. Bangma. Using High Resolution Mass Spectrometry for Environmental Forensics for New and Emerging PFAS from Industrial Production and Use Sites (January 2024 AWMA). Los Angeles Metropolitan Mass Spectrometry (LAMMS) Meeting, Los Angeles (Virtual), CA, January 31, 2024.
Impact/Purpose:
PFAS novel compound discovery using non-targeted analysis (NTA) techniques is a complex and time consuming undertaking. This slide presentation reports on tools used from published literature from the co-authors along with case studies demonstrating findings using these tools. Additionally some treatment of limitations of these approaches and thought of future remaining obstacles are addressed.
Description:
The intersection of the topics of high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) bring together two disparate and complex topics. Recently non-targeted analysis (NTA) for the discovery of novel PFAS in environmental and biological media has been shown to be valuable at in multiple applications. Classical targeted analysis for PFAS using LC-MS/MS, though growing in compound coverage, is still lacking in a more holistic understanding of the PFAS burden in most samples. NTA fills at least a portion of this data gap. Entrance into the study of novel PFAS discovery requires HRMS (e.g. QTOF and Orbitrap) instrumentation. However, the practical use of such equipment specific to novel PFAS discovery is also required. PFAS have some characteristics that make them standout from most other chemicals present in samples. Through a series of tell-tale PFAS characteristics (e.g. characteristic mass defect range, homologous series and characteristic fragmentation patterns) and case studies this is demonstrated. However, the application of these advancing techniques still has challenges. The utility of HRMS applications for PFAS discovery is unquestioned and will likely play a significant role in many future studies. We envision this compilation of resources will help with entry and advancement of the science.
