Presentation Profile
Implementing EPA OTM-50: TD-GC-MS/MS Analysis of Volatile PFAS in Air
Main Author
James Pachlhofer - Thermo Fisher Scientific
Abstract:
The U.S. EPA Other Test Method 50 (OTM-50) provides guidance for monitoring volatile fluorinated compounds (VFCs) formed during PFAS destruction. This study demonstrates implementation of OTM-50 using canister sampling, thermal desorption, and GC-MS/MS with a Markes thermal desorption system coupled to a Thermo Scientific™ TSQ™ 9610 triple quadrupole GC-MS/MS. Method parameters were optimized for low-molecular-weight VFCs and variable emission matrices, including elevated CO₂. Results showed improved selectivity, reduced matrix interferences, reproducible performance, and sensitive quantitation versus single-quadrupole MS, providing a robust workflow for PFAS air monitoring and regulatory compliance.
