TY - CONF A1 - Simon, Fabian A1 - Gehrenkemper, Lennart A1 - Meermann, Björn T1 - An improved method for the determination of PFASs using HR CS GFMAS via GaF detection N2 - Introduction Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) are a group of over 4730 individual compounds. Several PFASs are extremely persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic. The analysis of PFASs is challenging because of their various chemical and physical properties as well as the high number of compounds. Target-based approaches (e.g., LC-MS/MS) are limited to the availability of analytical grade standards and are not suitable for the analysis of new/unknown PFASs and transformation products. Therefore, PFAS sum parameter methods become increasingly important to indicate realistic PFAS pollution levels. Methods For the instrumental analysis of such sum parameters, a fluorine selective detector is needed. In our study we used high resolution-continuum source-graphite furnace molecular absorption spectrometry (HR-CS-GFMAS) which is a sensitive and highly selective tool for fluorine determination. The method is based on the in situ formation of diatomic gallium-mono fluoride (GaF) in a graphite furnace at a temperature of 1550°C. The molecular absorption of GaF can be detected at its most sensitive wavelength at 211.248 nm providing limits of quantification of c(F) 2.7 µg/L. Results Here, we present an improved method for the determination of PFASs using HR-CS-GFMAS via GaF detection. The optimized method includes a modifier pretreatment step using a mixture of Mg, Pd and Zr and a correction measurement using perfluorooctanoic acid. The combination of both resulted in increased accuracy and precision as well as overall lower detection limits. Furthermore, during optimization the influence of species-specific responses during HR-CS-GFMAS analysis was reduced resulting in a more accurate determination of PFAS sum parameters. To test the applicability of the improved method, we analysed soil samples from a former fire-fighting training area combining the improved method for detection with our previously optimized extraction method for extractable organically bound fluorine (EOF) determination in soils. Innovative aspects • Highly sensitive and selective method for fluorine/PFASs analysis based on HR-CS-GFMAS • Increased accuracy for the determination of EOF • Reduction of PFAS species-specific responses by optimized modifier conditions T2 - ANAKON23 CY - Vienna, Austria DA - 11.04.2023 KW - PFAS KW - HR-CS-GFMAS KW - Fluorine PY - 2023 AN - OPUS4-57409 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER -