What are PFAS?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) is the generic name for organofluorine compounds.
PFAS exhibit properties, such as water or oil resistance, heat resistance, chemical resistance, and non-absorption of light that depend on the bond strengths between the fluorine (F) and carbon (C) elements contained in the compound. Therefore, PFAS are used for a wide range of applications, such as water repellents, surface treatment agents, emulsifiers, fire extinguishing agents, and coatings.
On the other hand, due to the strong bonds between the F and C atoms, PFAS are commonly referred to as “forever chemicals” since they are difficult to break down, resulting in environmental persistence and accumulation in living organisms.
Structural Formulas of PFOS and PFOA
Overview of PFAS
Due to their superior oil, water, and heat resistance, PFAS are used in a wide variety of products, ranging from industrial products to household goods.
Different organizations define PFAS in different ways, but OECD (2021) defines them as follows, a definition that includes many types of compound.
PFASs are defined as fluorinated substances that contain at least one fully fluorinated methyl or methylene carbon atom (without any H/Cl/Br/I atom attached to it), i.e. with a few noted exceptions, any chemical with at least a perfluorinated methyl group (–CF3) or a perfluorinated methylene group (–CF2–) is a PFAS.
PFAS Regulations
Some PFAS compounds known to be toxic have been registered as substances covered by the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants and are now prohibited or restricted from being manufactured or used.
In April 2024, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published Final Maximum Contaminant Levels (Final MCLs) for PFAS in drinking water. PFOS and PFOA must be kept below 4 ng/L.
In Europe, a proposal to include PFAS in the REACH regulations is currently being discussed for possible regulation by as early as 2025.
Due to the large number of PFAS compounds, investigation and research are still ongoing to understand the many aspects of their toxicity and their effects on humans.
PFAS Analysis
Given the above circumstances, there is a need for PFAS analysis.
LC-MS/MS is currently the main system used for PFAS analysis, however, due to the wide range of chemical properties of the various compounds, contamination from equipment, the analysis environment, the need to detect trace quantities, and other issues, a wide variety of factors must be considered. That requires not only determining appropriate analysis conditions but also analytical expertise.
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Analysis of Drinking Water
Analysis of multiple PFAS components in drinking water
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Simultaneous Analysis
of Multiple PFAS Components
in WastewaterAnalysis of PFAS contained in factory wastewater
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Simultaneous Analysis of Multiple PFAS Components in Food
Using a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer to determine pretreatment and analyze PFAS in food
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Relevant Instruments
Triple Quadrupole LC-MS/MS：LCMS-8060RX
The LCMS-8060RX builds on the exceptional sensitivity and UF capabilities of the LCMS-8060NX and adds even more robustness without compromising sensitivity.