New LC-MS/MS method for the determination of unconventional organic pollutants: perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids in wastewater, surface water, and drinking water

<jats:p>The increasing prevalence of perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs) in aquatic environments has raised significant concerns regarding their environmental and health implications, particularly due to their endocrine-disrupting properties. This study aims to develop and validate a sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the detection and quantification of nine PFSAs in drinking water, surface water, and wastewater. The method comprises comprehensive steps, including the optimization of chromatographic separation conditions, enhancement of detection limits, and selection of effective extraction techniques tailored for diverse water matrices. The results reveal that the developed method achieves quantification limits ranging from 0.11 to 0.50 ng/L for drinking water, 0.22 to 0.59 ng/L for surface water, and 0.50 to 1.43 ng/L for wastewater, with extraction recoveries consistently exceeding 75%. The validated LC-MS/MS method demonstrates high sensitivity and robustness, enabling the monitoring of PFSAs in various water environments. This advancement not only contributes to the ongoing monitoring efforts of chemical contaminants at both national and international levels but also supports public health initiatives aimed at mitigating the risks associated with these hazardous substances. The implementation of such methods is crucial for ensuring water quality and protecting ecosystems from the adverse effects of PFSAs, ultimately fostering a safer environment for human health and biodiversity.</jats:p>