Determination of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Tissue Using QuEChERS Extraction Followed with Noval Enhanced Matrix Removal Mixed-mode Passthrough Cleanup by LC-MS/MS Detection

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in the Environment
Oral Presentation

Prepared by L. Zhao, E. Parry
Agilent Technologies, 2850 Centerville Rd, Wilmington, DE, 19808, United States


Contact Information: [email protected]; 302-636-3537

ABSTRACT

PFAS are known to accumulate in fish tissue and can serve as important environmental monitors. EPA 1633 method presents a sample preparation protocol for quantifying 40 PFAS in tissue; however, it is labor-intensive and time-consuming. This study presents the development and validation of a multiresidue method for the quantitative analysis of 40 PFAS residues in fish and terrestrial animal muscle tissue, meeting EPA 1633 guidance acceptance criteria.
Tissue is extracted via QuEChERS, followed by a novel enhanced matrix removal (EMR) mixed-mode passthrough cleanup, and then LC-MS/MS detection. The method features simplified and efficient sample preparation, sensitive detection on LC-MS/MS, and reliable quantitation using neat standard calibration curves with isotopic internal standards. The novel method was validated in tilapia and chicken under strict EPA 1633 method guidelines, and then cross-validated in cod, canned tuna, beef, pork, and turkey.
The method delivered results that meet EPA 1633 method acceptance criteria for PFAS targets in tissue matrix, including target quantitation accuracy (72–151%) and precision (RSD <20%), both extraction internal standard (EIS) and non-extraction internal standard (NIS) recovery (57–202%), and repeatability (<9.4%). The validated method limit of quantitation (LOQ) and calculated method detection limit (MDL) were below the guideline-reported levels. The novel method was also compared with the traditional EPA 1633 method, demonstrating significantly improved quantitation accuracy and precision, as well as over 70% savings in time and cost for sample preparation.