Characterizing Volatile Emissions and Combustion Byproducts from Aqueous Film-Forming Foams Using Online Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Mattila et. al.
Environmental Science Technology
DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c09255
With our partner Aerodyne Research, we continuously support the operation of our mass spectrometers in new, groundbreaking research projects. This recent publication employed our Vocus 2R to characterize volatile emissions and combustion byproducts from fire-fighting suppression materials such as aqueous film forming foams (AFFFs). This is of particular interest, as AFFFs often contain gas-phase per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which can be detrimentally for environmental and biological health.
PFAS are synthetic chemicals used widely due to their stability and surfactant properties, leading to environmental persistence and bioaccumulation with associated health risks like cancer and liver disease. AFFFs, used as fire suppression materials, contain PFAS, contaminating soil, water, and air, and exposing firefighters and nearby populations. Although legacy PFAS like PFOS have been phased out, contemporary formulations of fire suppression materials still pose risks. Disposal often involves incineration, but due to PFAS’s thermal stability, incomplete combustion can produce harmful byproducts. Effective destruction requires high temperatures, underscoring the need for further research to optimize disposal methods and mitigate emissions.
Online chemical ionization mass spectrometry (CIMS) using iodide reagent ions has been applied to measure gas-phase PFAS, particularly fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) and perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs). This technique, previously used for detecting polar atmospheric organics and certain reactive inorganic compounds, was utilized to measure PFAS, including C2−C8 PFCAs, and combustion byproducts during the incineration of AFFF solutions. Additionally, CIMS identified volatile PFAS and nonfluorinated organics in the headspace above these solutions, offering insights into the thermal oxidation chemistry of PFAS in fire suppression materials and the environmental and health impacts of AFFF usage and disposal.
CIMS measurements revealed increased production of short-chain PFCAs at lower incineration temperatures. Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) was a predominant byproduct, often present at much higher concentrations than C3−C8 PFCAs, and its detection suggests its role in elevated TFA levels in surface and groundwater near AFFF usage sites. CIMS also identified various PFAS and novel compounds in AFFF emissions and headspaces, highlighting potential environmental and occupational exposure risks.
The real-time capabilities of TOFWERK Vocus mass spectrometers provide insights into the dynamic nature of PFAS emissions and can improve the management and control of these pollutants during AFFF disposal. Learn more about Vocus PFAS detection capabilities in the whitepaper, Revolutionizing PFAS Detection in Air: High Sensitivity and Versatility with the Vocus Aim Reactor and application notes on consumer products evaluation and material emission testing.
