Highly sensitive targeted and non-targeted HPLC-MS PFAS analysis

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental pollutants known for their long lifetime and mobility. Their stability leads to accumulation in groundwater and soil, with proven harmful health effects. This technical note presents a method for identifying and quantifying PFAS using a YMC-Triart C18 HPLC column. This column, based on a robust hybrid silica particle, offers enhanced separation of isomers and improved analytical performance when coupled with mass spectrometry.

PFAS standards could be well resolved by the YMC-Triart column. Notably, partial separation of PFOS and PFHxS isomers within 10 seconds facilitated fragmentation pattern analysis for structural elucidation.

Non-targeted analysis in a soil extract

To evaluate performance in complex matrices, a soil extract from a contaminated site (Brilon-Scharfenberg, Germany; from the scientific publication of Zweigle et al. [1]) was analysed. Total ion chromatograms (TICs) from triplicate measurements (Figure 2) revealed consistent profiles, despite the high matrix complexity.

The YMC-Triart C18 column achieved effective separation of PFAS, including improved partial resolution of isomers compared to Zweigle et al. [1]. For instance, SF₅(CF₂)₉SO₃ isomers were separated (Figure 3), enabling the acquisition of distinct fragmentation spectra. The larger fragments in longer retention indicate an exclusively linear isomer. Specifically, the shorter retention time and the smaller fragments suggest a branched isomer or a differently positioned SF5-group.

Conclusion

The YMC-Triart C18 column demonstrates robust performance for PFAS analysis. It delivers:

• Efficient separation of key PFAS standards with linear quantification
• Reproducible results in complex matrices, such as soil extracts
• Improved isomer separation, enabling structural elucidation through distinct fragmentation patterns

The column provides a reliable and enhanced approach to targeted and non-targeted PFAS analysis, supporting environmental monitoring and regulatory compliance.

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References:

1. Environ. Sci. Technol. 2023, 57, 6647−6655.