Perfuorooctonoic acids (PFOAs) are byproducts of Teflon production and other industrial processes. These acids contaminate groundwater and are practically inseparable from the water aquifer. Carcinogenic properties and toxicity to animals are common health concerns linked to high levels of PFOAs in water. Preliminary research has shown a presence of 1,2,3-Trichloropropane (TCP) in local groundwater. TCP is a chlorinated pesticide that is no longer in use, but still is detected in water samples. Health advisory levels set by the EPA, limit PFOA concentrations to 70 ng/L and TCP to 30 ng/L; however, the concentration of the observed species have surpassed the accepted values. The levels of these species present in the water supply will be investigated. Quantitation will be accomplished with direct injection or extraction and concentration followed by LC-MS analysis. The instrument will use 70% methanol, 30% DI water, 0.1% formic acid mobile phase, C-18 column, complimentary UV absorbance and be run in atmospheric pressure ionization (API) and positive ion mode. Neat standards and mass spectral libraries will be used to identify compounds. Our purpose is to spawn awareness of the contamination in local groundwater in order to influence change. This may lead to a positive outcome for residents of the Clovis metropolitan area and improve information about the local water quality.

Analysis of drinking water samples for perfluorooctanoic acid and 1,2,3,-trichloropropane by LC-MS in the Clovis metropolitan area

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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