"Simultaneous targeted and non-targeted analysis of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in environmental samples by liquid chromatography-ion mobility-quadrupole time of flight-mass spectrometry and mass defect analysis".

This study focuses on "simultaneous targeted and non-targeted analysis of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in environmental samples by liquid chromatography-ion mobility-quadrupole time of flight-mass spectrometry and mass defect analysis".. The research employs high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) techniques to address analytical challenges in the environmental field. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) represent a large group of synthetic organic compounds which exhibit unique properties and have been extensively used for consumer and industrial products, resulting in a widespread presence in the environment. Regulation requiring PFAS monitoring has been implemented worldwide due to their potential health and eco-toxicological... Research Background and Significance Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) constitute a vast class of synthetic fluorinated organic chemicals extensively used in industrial and consumer applications due to their unique physicochemical properties such as thermal stability, surfactant capabilities, and resistance to degradation. These properties, however, contribute to their persistence in the environment, bioaccumulation potential, and associated health and ecological risks, leading to increased regulatory scrutiny worldwide. Analytical challenges arise from the structural diversity of PFAS, the presence of isomers, and the complexity of environmental matrices. Traditional targeted methods often fail to detect emerging or unknown PFAS compounds, necessitating the development of innovative approaches that combine targeted quantitation with non-targeted screening. This study by Gonzalez de Vega et al. addresses this analytical gap by integrating liquid chromatography with advanced ion mobility-quadrupole time-of-flight ma