Shimadzu Journal Vol 11 (Issue 1)

Importance of the Topic

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances PFAS are persistent environmental pollutants used in many industries. Their resistance to degradation and widespread use have led to global concerns regarding human health and ecosystem impacts. Sensitive and reliable analytical methods are essential for monitoring PFAS levels in water, soil, and biological samples and for guiding regulations and remediation efforts.

Objectives and Overview

This collection of articles and case studies presents advanced PFAS analysis techniques developed in collaboration with leading researchers and key opinion leaders. It highlights new methods for drinking water testing, untargeted screening of emerging PFAS, compliance with EPA draft Method 1633, and high-accuracy analysis of drinking water samples.

Methodologies and Instrumentation

• On-line solid phase extraction SPE coupled with triple quadrupole LC-MS/MS (Nexera X3 and LCMS-8060NX) for quantifying 44 PFAS down to sub-ng/L levels in drinking water
• High-resolution accurate mass HRAM data-independent acquisition DIA on LCMS-9030 Q-TOF for untargeted screening and discovery of new PFAS species
• Triple quadrupole LCMS-8050 for EPA Draft Method 1633 analysis of 40 target PFAS and internal standards in aqueous matrices
• LCMS-8050RX with CoreSpray technology for quantitation of PFOA, PFHxS, and PFOS at 0.2 ng/L in drinking water using automated SPE and high-throughput UHPLC methods

Main Results and Discussion

• Achieved linear quantitation of 44 PFAS at 0.5 to 100 ng/L with R² >0.99 and precision better than 20% RSD using on-line SPE LC-MS/MS
• Verified HRAM-DIA method detected and characterized both known and 16 unknown PFAS-like compounds in environmental samples via formula filtering and spectral library/structural elucidation
• Demonstrated compliance with EPA draft Method 1633, meeting IDLs as low as 0.01 ng/mL, and recoveries of 80 to 116% in complex wastewater extracts
• Confirmed quantitation of PFOA, PFHxS, and PFOS at 0.2 ng/L in drinking water with 82 to 103% recovery and <4% RSD using LCMS-8050RX and automated SPE

Benefits and Practical Applications

Shimadzu solutions provide single-vendor, turnkey workflows that maximize throughput, reproducibility, and regulatory compliance. Automated sample preparation, robust ion sources, and integrated software streamline PFAS monitoring in water utilities, environmental testing labs, and contract research organizations.

Future Trends and Potential Uses

• Further improvements in sensitivity to achieve even lower detection limits and shorter analysis times
• Development of direct injection on-line SPE methods to simplify sample preparation
• Expansion of PFAS libraries and AI-driven spectral deconvolution for rapid identification
• Integration of eco-friendly materials in instrument components and automated preparation devices for microplastic analysis

Conclusion

This issue demonstrates the latest analytical advancements in tackling PFAS challenges worldwide. By combining cutting-edge hardware, novel workflows, and international collaboration, Shimadzu and research partners continue to drive progress toward accurate environmental monitoring and a more sustainable future.

Reference

• United States Environmental Protection Agency Draft Method 1633 Analysis of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances PFAS in Aqueous Solid Biosolids and Tissue Samples by LC-MS/MS 2022
• Shimadzu Application Notes and White Papers on PFAS Analysis and Instruments