The unique chemistry of Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has led to their use in ski waxes. Regulations are changing for the manufacture of ski wax because of the innate hazards these chemicals pose to humans and the environment. However, their resistance to environmental degradation suggests PFAS will persist in the environment years after ski racing events. This study used both targeted high sensitivity tandem quadrupole MS and non-targeted high-resolution mass spectrometry using a SELECT SERIES™ Cyclic™ IMS (Waters Corporation) to detect and quantify known PFAS in water and soil, as well as investigate new and unexpected PFAS.
Water and soil samples were collected from a variety of locations from the start through to the end lines within a ski area in New Hampshire USA to investigate the trends of PFAS throughout this type of environment. Sample analysis followed similar protocols provided by US EPA method 1633.
Total PFAS levels were highest at the ski race starting line than at the finish line and they also varied from slope to slope. The slope hosting more races had higher PFAS concentrations determined. Among the 40 PFAS included in the targeted method, long chain carboxylates were detected most frequently.
An initial set of water samples were also analyzed by non-targeted ion mobility HRMS. In these extracts, the targeted PFAS from the LC-MS/MS study were confirmed. Identifications were based on accurate mass (<5ppm), identified fragments, and RT error. Observed collisional cross section (CCS) values were also compared to literature to confirm identifications. Additionally, a class of unknown PFAS, a series (C9-C24) of polyfluorinated carboxylic acid compounds with one hydrogen substitution in the carbon chain, were identified.
This work demonstrates a thorough investigation into the impact of ski waxes on this ski slope using the combined capabilities of a targeted and untargeted mass spectrometry workflow.