Communicating Confidence of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Identification via High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are important environmental contaminants, yet relatively few analytical reference standards exist for this class. Nontarget analyses performed by means of high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) are increasingly common for the discovery and identification of PFASs in environmental and biological samples. The certainty of PFAS identifications made via HRMS must be communicated through a reliable and harmonized approach. Here, we present a confidence scale along with identification criteria specific to suspect or nontarget analysis of PFASs by means of nontarget HRMS. Confidence levels range from level 1a-"Confirmed by Reference Standard," and level…

• EP
  Environmental Protection Agency

  Awards: 83967001-0, RD839660
• FN
  Fonds National de la Recherche Luxembourg

  Award: A18/BM/12341006
• SE
  Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program

  Awards: ER20-1056, ER20-1156, ER20-1375
• NH
  National Health and Medical Research Council

  Award: APP1185347
• HR
  H2020 Research Infrastructures

  Award: 101036756