Advancing PFAS biomonitoring with a validated high-throughput suspect screening workflow in a longitudinal birth
Anne San Román1, Mikel Musatadi2, Juan F Ayala-Cabrera3
1Institute of Health Research Biogipuzkoa, Paseo Dr. Begiristain, s/n, Gipuzkoa, Donostia, Basque Country, 20014, Spain; Plentzia Marine Station (PiE), University of Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Areatza Hiribidea, 47, Bizkaia, Plentzia, Basque Country, 48620, Spain; Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Basque Country, 48940, Spain.
This study developed a new method to detect per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in children's plasma. The research identified various PFAS, revealing age, sex, and regional differences in exposure levels.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Toxicology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent synthetic chemicals with growing environmental and health concerns.
- High-resolution mass spectrometry and suspect/non-target screening (SNTS) have improved PFAS detection capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a PFAS-specific workflow for identifying exposome-related PFAS in human plasma from a child cohort.
- To evaluate the performance of the workflow using limits of identification (LOIs) and true positive rates (TPRs).
Main Methods:
- A PFAS-specific workflow was created and validated using standards and spiked human plasma.
- The workflow was applied to 615 plasma samples from children aged 4, 8, and 14 years in the Basque Country.
- Suspect/non-target screening (SNTS) and high-resolution mass spectrometry were employed.
Main Results:
- Achieved LOIs of 1-5 ng/mL for 14% of PFAS, with 67% between 5-10 ng/mL.
- Demonstrated high true positive rates (TPRs): 0.86 for standards and 0.76 for spiked plasma.
- Annotated 45 PFAS across 20 families in children's plasma, with significant variations by age, sex, and region.
Conclusions:
- The validated workflow effectively identifies exposome-related PFAS in children's plasma.
- PFAS exposure profiles differ based on age, sex, and geographic location within the Basque Country.
- Observed trends indicate increased short-chain PFAS exposure with age, particularly in the Urola region.
