Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of persistent chemicals that have been ubiquitously detected in the environment. Given their vast variety and structural diversity, quantification of PFAS represents a considerable analytical challenge. This study investigated the applicability of the conventional and readily available total organic carbon (TOC) analyzer for the measurement of model PFAS (i.e., C2 – C5 and C8 – C10 perfluorocarboxylic acids, PFCAs, and perfluorooctane sulfonate, PFOS). TOC was determined as non-purgeable organic carbon (NPOC). While the linear regression slopes of the calibration curves via organic carbon standard (potassium hydrogen phthalate) remained consistent, those of the PFAS calibration curves might fluctuate strongly over time. Estimated method detection limits (MDLs) were around 1 mg/L PFAS based on their individual calibration curves. Different carbon recovery rates, described as the ratio of the measured TOC versus the theoretical TOC, were recorded. These results suggest that TOC analyzer can be used as a PFAS quantification tool, which is especially useful for researchers to conduct their first-step “prove-of-concept” studies where the initial PFAS concentration is high and when the chemical transformation or other organic matter is not involved. However, specific care, as highlighted in this study, should be taken by using TOC analyzer for such purposes.

Operation and species dependent carbon recovery rates for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as measured by total organic carbon (TOC) analyzer

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ACS Fall 2022

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