Rapid Screening and Quantification of PFAS Enabled by SPME-DART-MS

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Mass Spectrometry

Background:

• Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants regulated at very low concentrations in drinking water.
• Current analysis relies on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), necessitating faster and more robust methods.
• Direct Ambient Mass Spectrometry (AMS) technologies offer potential for rapid analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate Direct Analysis in Real Time mass spectrometry (DART-MS) for screening and quantifying diverse PFAS classes.
• To optimize DART parameters using a central composite design (CCD) for improved ionization efficiency.
• To investigate in-source fragmentation patterns of model PFAS under optimized DART conditions.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Direct Analysis in Real Time mass spectrometry (DART-MS) for PFAS analysis.
• Employed a central composite design (CCD) to optimize DART parameters and understand their interactions.
• Preconcentrated PFAS from water samples using solid phase microextraction (SPME).
• Investigated in-source fragmentation of model PFAS.

Main Results:

• Achieved linear dynamic ranges (LDRs) from 10 to 5000 ng/L for PFAS analytes.
• Established limits of quantification (LOQs) at 10, 25, and 50 ng/L for all tested PFAS.
• Demonstrated rapid instrumental analysis, with each sample analyzed in under 20 seconds.
• Identified optimal DART-MS conditions for PFAS screening and quantification.

Conclusions:

• DART-MS is a viable and rapid technique for the screening and quantification of PFAS in environmental samples.
• Optimized DART-MS conditions, combined with SPME preconcentration, provide sensitive and efficient PFAS analysis.
• The speed and robustness of DART-MS make it suitable for routine environmental monitoring of PFAS.