Every and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFA) known for its widespread use and elasticity has become an integral part of modern life, from fire foam to non-stick cooking. These artificial chemicals are well-known for their durability, embodying a double-edged sword. Their resistance to natural degradation allows PFA to penetrate into the environment and surface in soil, air, groundwater and even rainwater. This accumulation of silent over decades underscores the urgent need for innovative monitoring and management solutions to protect our world from these invisible threats.
A pioneering study by Restek Corporation, Shun-Hsin Liang, Justin Steimling and Mike Chang has made significant progress in detecting PFA in water sources. Their research, published in the Journal of Chromatography, provides a vital tool for environmental monitoring and public health protection against these chemicals, often referred to as “forever chemicals” because of their persistence in the environment and potential health risks.
This study addresses the challenge of analyzing ultrashort and short-chain PFA, namely, smaller highly polar compounds, which have attracted major concerns due to their wide environmental presence. “Ultrashort chain (USC) Human and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are small and polar compounds with carbon chain lengths less than C4. Their ubiquitous occurrence in aquatic environments has become the main contributor in parallel with long-chain PFAS contamination. Focus.” Dr. Liang explained.
The team used liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), which verified their approach on a variety of water sources, including Tap, bottled and sewage treatment water. This method effectively quantifies PFA, demonstrating that it is suitable for accurate measurement of these chemicals in drinking and non-phosphorusable water.
Dr. Liang reflects the impact of this study: “The direct injection workflow was established in this study, providing a unique solution for determining ultra-short and short-chain PFAs in various aqueous substrates. The reported method is robust and accurate And precisely, providing rapid analysis. “This innovation opens new avenues for monitoring and regulating PFA in the environment, which represents an important step in protecting public health from these lasting pollutants. The research of Liang, Steimling and Chang successfully established a direct injection workflow as a unique, high-throughput and cost-effective solution to identify ultra-short and short-chain PFAs in various aqueous matrices. Simplify sample preparation and accelerate LC-MS/MS analysis, this method sets new benchmarks for environmental PFA monitoring and may impact future regulatory actions. This groundbreaking approach highlights the importance of powerful analytical approaches in protecting environmental water systems and protecting public health from universal threats to PFA.
Journal Reference
Shun-Hsin Liang, Ph.D., Justin Steimling and Mike Chang, “Analysis of ultra-short and short chains (C1 to C4) and polyfluorinated substances in drinking water and unavailable waters”, Journal of Chromatography 》, Open Magazine, 2023.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcoa.2023.100098.
About the Author
Dr. Shun-Hsin Liang He is a senior scientist at Restek Corporation. He received his bachelor’s degree and a woman’s degree from Taiwan National University and his Ph.D. Study at Michigan State University. Dr. Liang conducted a PhD study in oncology at the University of Michigan. In 2001, he joined Penn State University as a research institute focusing on molecular toxicology research. In 2006, Dr. Liang transitioned to MPI Research Inc. as a senior research scientist and played the research director of the GLP analysis program. In 2013, Dr. Liang joined Restek Corporation LC Solutions Division, specializing in developing application methods in the fields of environmental, food safety and life sciences.
