Presentation Profile
Seeing beyond the matrix: Complementary strategies for characterising volatile PFAS
Main Author
Mark Bieganski - Markes
- Hannah Calder - Markes
- Caroline Widdowson - Markes
- Jonathan Grandy - SepSolve
- Sydney Grinstead - Markes
Abstract:
PFAS are persistent and highly mobile chemicals widely used for their resistance to grease, oil, water and heat. While non-volatile PFAS are extensively studied, volatile PFAS remain challenging to characterise across complex matrices, including environmental samples, consumer products and functional fabrics. Here, we explore complementary analytical strategies: targeted analysis using thermal desorption coupled with triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry (TD–GC–MS/MS) enables sensitive and selective quantification of known compounds, while TD–GC×GC–MS supports untargeted profiling and discovery of previously uncharacterised components. Together, these approaches provide complementary targeted and untargeted perspectives for comprehensive characterisation of volatile PFAS across diverse matrices.
