Currently

Recently, perfluorinated compounds have come into focus, having previously been used as an ingredient in fire retardant foams. This has given rise to significant pollution, as well as concern for even more not yet recognized.

Cheap alternative to existing analysis methods

The analysis of PFAS is usually quite expensive, as it involves both SPE and sample preparation as well as LC / MS / MS analysis. This can be detrimental to an overview screening of larger areas.

Now, however, an economic alternative has emerged, as it is possible to identify a subgroup, the perfluorinated acids and sulfonic acids, by means of selective extraction and subsequent direct analysis with DART.

The method involves selectively absorbing the acids to hexadecylamine and subsequently desorbing them directly to (LC-type) MS.

12 samples can be analyzed in about 10 minutes, and the analysis is therefore economically attractive, both in terms of sample preparation and analysis time.

The sensitivity is <1 ppb with a modern mass spectrometer, which is sufficient for a screening analysis.

Data

We have recently been to a Non Target Screening conference in Erding where the work was presented.

The presentation can be found below. Here you can also find details about the method and the setup.

Contact us for more info

If you want to know more about the technique or get an offer on the system, write to Jens Glastrup at jens@msconsult.dk