Recent developments in trace analysis of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances
Urs Berger1, Mary A Kaiser, Anna Kärrman
1Department of Applied Environmental Science (ITM), Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden. urs.berger@itm.su.se
Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry
|March 15, 2011
Summary
Accurate measurement of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in environmental and human samples requires careful consideration of analytical challenges. This study highlights trends and remaining uncertainties in ultra-trace PFAS determination.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Toxicology
Background:
- Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are prevalent environmental contaminants.
- Accurate quantification of PFASs at ultra-trace levels in diverse matrices is analytically challenging.
- Understanding analytical complexities is crucial for reliable human and environmental health risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in ultra-trace PFAS determination.
- To identify and discuss current challenges and uncertainties in PFAS analysis.
- To highlight emerging trends in PFAS method development.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of analytical methodologies for PFAS.
- Discussion of analytical implications: adsorption, matrix effects, isomer response, sampling bias.
- Analysis of interlaboratory comparison study results.
Main Results:
- Adsorption, matrix effects, isomer variability, and sampling biases significantly impact PFAS measurements.
- Isomer-specific analysis and multi-chemical methods are key trends.
- Current analytical method accuracy varies, as shown by interlaboratory studies.
Conclusions:
- Addressing analytical challenges is critical for accurate PFAS quantification.
- Isomer-specific and multi-chemical methods are advancing PFAS analysis.
- Ongoing interlaboratory studies are essential for assessing and improving method accuracy.
