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

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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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Civil Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, 361021, China

    Fei Li  (李飞), Zhi-ling Zhao  (赵志领), Chun-hua Shen  (沈春花), Qing-ling Zeng  (曾庆玲) & Shu-po Liu  (刘淑坡)

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  1. Fei Li  (李飞)
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  2. Zhi-ling Zhao  (赵志领)
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  3. Chun-hua Shen  (沈春花)
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  4. Qing-ling Zeng  (曾庆玲)
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  5. Shu-po Liu  (刘淑坡)
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Correspondence to Fei Li  (李飞).

Additional information

Foundation item: Projects(51108197, 51208215) supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China; Projects(2011J05135, 2011J01318) supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province, China; Project(11QZR08) supported by the Scientific Research Foundation of Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council, China; Project(10BS213) supported by the Scientific Research Foundation for Advanced Talents, Huaqiao University, China

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Li, F., Zhao, Zl., Shen, Ch. et al. Elimination of matrix effects during analysis of perfluorinated acids in solid samples by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. J. Cent. South Univ. 19, 2886–2894 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-012-1355-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-012-1355-0

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