A Simple and Sensitive Method for Simultaneous Analysis of 58 Neutral and Ionic PFAS Using UPLC-MS/MS

Analysis of neutral and ionic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) required two discrete techniques- with methods based on gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for the former and ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) for the latter. In this study, we developed a method for simultaneous analysis of 58 neutral and ionic PFAS in environmental samples, obviating the need for distinct extraction and instrumental methods. The UPLC-MS/MS method was optimized and validated for sensitivity, selectivity, linearity, precision, and accuracy. The instrumental detection limits for fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) ranged from 0.08 to 0.50 pg on the column. Select environmental samples, including food packaging, indoor dust, roadside soil, polyurethane foam, carpet, and consumer products, were analyzed. The highest concentrations of polyfluoroalkyl phosphates (Σ6PAPs, 650 ± 910 ng/g) and fluorotelomer sulfonates (Σ4FTSs, 36 ± 51 ng/g) were found in indoor dust, whereas Σ5FTOHs (81 ± 69 ng/g) were found in carpet. Emerging PFAS, including F-53B, ADONA, and Gen-X, were found at sub ng/g concentrations. Hydrogen-substituted polyfluorocarboxylates (H-PFCAs), such as 7H-PFHpA, were found at concentrations of up to 4 ng/g in indoor dust. This method can expedite the analysis of neutral PFAS precursors, including FTOHs, PAPs, and FTSs along with legacy iPFAS in environmental samples.