Rapid Exposure Assessment of Complex Environmental Samples in Disaster Research Using Traditional and Novel Methods

Abstract

Chemical contamination following environmental disasters profoundly effects the environment and human health. Exposure assessment is traditionally performed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS). While these methods are the accepted analytical techniques for exposure studies, they can take hours to process a single sample and often require unique sample preparation based on the target compounds. Limitations in the throughput of current analytical technologies is a critical gap in disaster research. Ion Mobility Spectrometry-Mass Spectrometry (IMS-MS) is a novel technology which is a rapid analytical method and can be used to detect a wide range of chemicals based on unique mass-to-charge (m/z) and collision cross section (CCS). This proposal’s objective is to compare and develop methods for rapid exposure assessment of complex environmental samples in disaster research with the use of traditional and novel methods. Foremost, we will perform a series of studies using traditional analytical methods for exposure assessment of soil and water samples. We will test the hypothesis that spatial and temporal trends of common pollutants including PFAS, PAHs and metals can be determined using these methods. Then, we will use IMS-MS to characterize persistent organic pollutants and their metabolites and degradation products. We will test the hypothesis that IMS-MS can be used for the identification and detection of common environmental contaminants in a complex sample. Overall, this work will demonstrate IMS-MS can be used for environmental sample analysis and will aid in the critical need for increased throughput and response time in disaster research.