Investigation of novel PFAS, including PFAA precursors, using non-targeted analytical methods

Please note this is a PhD confirmation seminar.

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been in use since the 1950s. While much attention has been paid to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), polyfluorinated compounds are mostly overlooked and are largely not included in routine PFAS analysis. Remediation of contaminated sites focusing mostly on removal of PFOS, PFOA and PFHxS overlook the presence of precursors, although these may gradually transform into perfluoroalkyl acids. Analysis of precursor compounds can be particularly challenging due to complex matrices, lack of available standards, and low concentrations. Analytical methods outside of typical targeted liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) need to be incorporated in order to fully understand PFAA precursor presence and transformation pathways. This project aims to investigate perfluoroalkyl acid (PFAA) precursor prevalence and transformation in contaminated soils for the purpose of assessing effectiveness of soil remediation techniques.

Kristie Thompson has spent over a decade working as a research assistant at QAEHS after completing a Bachelor of Science with Honours. She has extensive experience in sampling and analytical techniques, as well as human biomonitoring. Kristie began her PhD in 2018, and is focusing on identifying novel poly- and per-fluoroalkyl substances and tracking their formation and fate in the environment.