ASTM D8421-22 Standard Test Method for Determination of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Aqueous Matrices by Co-solvation Followed by Analysis Using the Shimadzu LCMS-8060NX

User Benefits

• The LCMS-8060NX easily meets and exceeds method performance criteria of ASTM D8421 for 44 PFAS and 24 surrogates.
• Optimized chromatography and MS conditions for excellent peak shape for improved precision and accuracy.
• ASTM D8421 is a simple extraction procedure validated by ASTM for the analysis of PFAS in wastewater samples.

Introduction and Background

ASTM International published ASTM D84211 for the analysis of 44 per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances and 24 labeled isotopes in non-potable water samples. This method extracts the substances in a 1+1 ratio of sample and methanol, filters and then measures the targeted compounds using external standard calibration liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). The minimum reporting limit is 10 ng/L with an analytical range of 10 – 400 ng/L for most compounds. The method requires standard solutions be prepared by the laboratory from neat compounds.

To save a laboratory’s time and effort from preparing stock standards individually, we optimized the method using commercially available native and labeled calibration standard mixes. Additionally, we optimized chromatography, achieving better peak shape for early-eluting compounds, such as PFBA and PFPrA.