PFAS: Forensic Tools, TOF, TOP Assay and Non-Target Analysis, Part 4
Current analytical methodologies measure a discrete list of up to approximately 80 PFAS compounds. Many additional PFAS are not determined as discrete compounds by existing commercial methods, therefore we may be underestimating the PFAS mass present in the environment. As the investigation of sites contaminated with PFAS matures, there is a growing interest in determining the contributions of different sources, to the overall contamination. Treatment technologies are also maturing in application and complexity of remedy options. The complexity and magnitude of the treatment can significantly impact costs for said treatment. Therefore, the development of analytical techniques that can more thoroughly delineate the mass of PFAS present and sources of the mass can be useful tools in environmental investigations.
Eurofins has implemented several tools that provide pieces to the puzzle that is, environmental investigation. The use of the Total Oxidizable Precursor (TOP) Assay gives a measure of the unidentified mass of PFAS by demonstrating that mass with the potential to oxidize to PFAAs. The determination of total organic fluorine (TOF) approaches quantitation of the unknown mass from the angle of the fluorine content of a sample. When we add the results of accurate mass qTOF (quadrapole Time of Flight mass spectrometry), applied to targets and unknowns, we capture additional detail that may be complimentary as a forensic application.
Topics the Presentation Will Cover Include:
- What is TOP Assay
- How does it work and what do the results mean?
- What is Combustion Ion Chromatography (CIC)?
- What are AOF, EOF and TF?
- What is non-Target Analysis (NTA)?
- Why should I care about accurate mass, mass spectrometry?
- What are the advantages and limitations of these techniques?
Original Airdate: Tuesday, April 9, 2024
Length: 60 minutes
Presenter: Taryn McKnight - Eurofins Environment Testing
