Improved Tandem Mass Spectrometry Detection and Resolution of Low Molecular Weight Perfluoroalkyl Ether Carboxylic Acid Isomers
Miller, KE; Strynar, MJ
| HERO ID | 10584196 |
|---|---|
| In Press | No |
| Year | 2022 |
| Title | Improved Tandem Mass Spectrometry Detection and Resolution of Low Molecular Weight Perfluoroalkyl Ether Carboxylic Acid Isomers |
| Authors | Miller, KE; Strynar, MJ |
| Journal | Environmental Science & Technology Letters |
| Volume | 9 |
| Issue | 9 |
| Page Numbers | 747-751 |
| Abstract | Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are emerging contaminants widely used in a variety of industrial and consumer applications. Due to phasing out legacy PFAS, some manufacturers developed short-chain alternatives like perfluoroalkyl ether carboxylic acids (PFECA). Published liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methods cover a wide range of these replacement chemicals including PFMPA (perfluoro-3-methoxypropanoic acid) and PFMBA (perfluoro-4-methoxybutanoic acid). However, many methods do not monitor for their branched isomers, PMPA (perfluoro-2-methoxypropanoic acid) and PEPA (perfluoro-2-ethoxypropanoic acid), respectively. Although these isomers are chromatographically separable under certain conditions, using the common MS/MS transitions for PFMPA (m/z 229 → 85) and PFMBA (m/z 279 → 85) can yield low or no detection signals for PMPA and PEPA, thus leading to underestimated values or nondetects. We compared various MS/MS transitions for these isomers and determined the optimal transitions for PMPA (m/z 185 → 85) and PEPA (m/z 235 → 135). We applied the developed method to water sampled near two chemical manufacturing plants and observed these analytes, plus a suspected third isomer. Using these MS/MS transitions will ensure all isomers are detected and will lead to better monitoring and exposure estimates of PFECA in humans and the environment. |
| Doi | 10.1021/acs.estlett.2c00509 |
| Pmid | 36274928 |
| Wosid | WOS:000837580000001 |
| Url | https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.estlett.2c00509 |
| Is Certified Translation | No |
| Dupe Override | No |
| Is Public | Yes |
| Language Text | English |
| Keyword | Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS); Method development; Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); Perfluoroalkyl ether carboxylic acid (PFECA); Isomers |