Publication

The recently published article in Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry entitled: Establishing performance metrics for quantitative non-targeted analysis: a demonstration using per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances presents a framework for evaluating the performance of quantitative non-targeted analysis (qNTA) methods with respect to accuracy, uncertainty, and reliability. New performance metrics are introduced and examined across five quantitative approaches applied to measurements of 29 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The purpose of this article is to initiate necessary discussions on the standardization of qNTA performance assessment methods and metrics and to carefully examine sources of error and bias in qNTA studies of chemical stressors.

The recently published article in Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry titled: PFAS ghosts: how to identify, evaluate, and exorcise new and existing analytical interference was a BP4NTA collaborative effort and included EPA, FDA, State laboratories, Industry, and academic researchers. The article aims to address analytical interferences in PFAS studies that use liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS). These interferences can arise when the matrix under study (e.g. surface water, tissue, soil) contains additional compounds that mimic PFAS signals in the instrumentation, leading to false positives. The main goals of this study were to (1) establish a public database for all currently known analytical interferences, (2) allow for the expansion of the database by the scientific community, and (3) to establish guidelines on how to interrogate new data for potential suspected interferents. By sharing this information, this research aims to help reduce troubleshooting time and costs for the research community as well as improve PFAS reporting accuracy in the scientific literature.

NORMAN, a peer organization of BP4NTA with many colleagues from Europe, has recently published a guidance document on suspect and non-target screening in environmental monitoring. The article is open access and available here. BP4NTA content is cited in several places – notably for reporting recomendations!

Congrats to our NORMAN friends on their substantial publication! It looks like an excellent resource for folks interested in NTA.