Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a class of anthropogenic compounds that are found in a range of consumer goods and industrial processes due to their chemical properties. Common uses include firefighting foams, insecticide formulations, water-resistant coating, floor polishes, and oil resistant coatings for paper products approved for food contact. Due to their widespread use and subsequent leaching from materials, PFASs are so ubiquitous that they are frequently detected throughout the environment and in 2009, they were classified as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) within the Stockholm Convention. Due to their persistent, ubiquitous nature, and possible toxicity, most regulatory agencies worldwide closely monitor the use, occurrence, and impact of both traditional/common and newer, replacement short-chain PFASs.

In this application note we describe the use of the recently developed ASTM 7979-17 method (EPA Region 5, Dr. Lawrence B. Zintek) to analyze PFASs of interest in environmental waters, not only as described by U.S. legislation, but also those of interest elsewhere, including newer compounds (ADONA, 9Cl-PF3ONS, and 11Cl-PF3OUdS). Since many countries look to the U.S. EPA and other agencies for guidance, it was decided to include as many compounds in a single analysis as was feasible at relevant detection levels.

Performing the ASTM 7979-17 method on the Xevo TQ-XS allows:

• Limited sample preparation of small sample volumes to speed up analysis time and enhance sample throughput.
• Sensitive analysis of PFAS compounds in the low ng/L range to meet regulatory requirements.
• A robust and reliable solution for monitoring PFAS compounds in non-drinking water matrices.