Elimination of matrix effects during analysis of perfluorinated acids in solid samples by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

Abstract

Matrix effects can significantly hamper the accuracy and precision of the analysis results of perfluorinated acids (PFAs) in environmental solid samples. Several methods, such as standard addition, isotopically labeled internal standards, clean-up of SPE (solid phase extraction) eluents by dispersive graphitized carbon sorbent and substitution of eletrospray ionization (ESI) source by atmosphere pressure photoionization (APPI) source, were demonstrated for elimination of matrix effects in quantitative analysis of PFAs in solid samples. The results indicate that matrix effects can be effectively eliminated by standard addition, but instrumental analysis time will be multiplied. Isotopically labeled internal standards can effectively negate matrix effects of PFAs with the same perfluorocarbon chain length, but is not valid for the other analytes. Although APPI can eliminate matrix effects for all analytes, it is only suitable for analysis of high pollution levels samples. Clean-up of SPE eluents by dispersive graphitized carbon sorbent not only effectively negate the impact of matrix effect, but also avoid frequent clean of the ESI in order to maintain instrumental sensitivity. Therefore, the best method for elimination of matrix effects is the usage of dispersive graphitized carbon sorbent for clean-up of SPE elution.

Keywords

matrix effects / perfluorinated acids / solid samples / hydrophobic organic contaminants

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