Methodology for studying biotransformation of polyfluoroalkyl precursors in the environment

Abstract

A B S T R A C TBiotransformation of polyfluoroalkyl precursors contributes in part to the perfluoroalkyl carboxylates and sulfonates detected in the global environment and biota. Robust sample preparation and sensitive analytical techniques for maximum analyte recovery are essential to identify and to quantify biotransformation products often present at low levels in environmental matrices and experimental systems. This critical review covers current sample-preparation and analytical methods, including extraction, concentration, clean-up and derivatization, mass spectrometry coupled to gas or liquid chromatography, and radioisotope labeling and tracking techniques. We also critically review methodologies for molecular structural elucidation and in-silico prediction of potential transformation products. We describe current knowledge gaps and challenges in studying novel alternative polyfluoroalkyl substances. We discuss future trends on utilizing advanced analytical techniques.

Identification, Tissue Distribution, and Bioaccumulation Potential of Cyclic Perfluorinated Sulfonic Acids Isomers in an Airport Impacted Ecosystem

“…35,36 For this purpose, ultrahigh resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometer (Orbitrap Fusion, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA) was employed. A range of ±5 ppm between theoretical and measured m/z was the criteria for compound confirmation (e.g., unknown isomers) by HPLC-Orbitrap MS. 35 The HPLC conditions and the composition of mobile phases for PFASs analysis were identical to those used for ESI-MS/MS (see details in SI).…”

Factors controlling the rate of perfluorooctanoic acid degradation in laccase-mediator systems: The impact of metal ions

“…PFOA enters the environment primarily through emission from manufacturing facilities (Armitage et al, 2006), utilization of PFOA-based products (Ahrens, 2011), and transformation from polyfluoroalkyl precursors (Ruan et al, 2015). PFOA is prevalent in soil, groundwater, surface water, and sediment.…”

Simultaneous qualitative and quantitative analysis of fluoroalkyl sulfonates in riverine water by liquid chromatography coupled with Orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry

“…Accurate mass measurement and characteristic fragmentation of high resolution mass spectrometer are powerful tools for the elucidation of the molecular structure of emerging environmental contaminants [18]. Novel isopropyl-branched fluorinated substances were initially found in river water by selected suspect-ion monitoring strategy [19], and non-target polyfluorinated sulfonic acid were identified in firefighter serum samples by retrospective screening of the full-scan MS 1 spectrum with the aid of advanced statistical analysis [20,21].…”