Using high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) and non-targeted analysis (NTA) to discover novel PFAS in environmental water samples

Research Opportunity at the United States Environmental Protection Agency

Title

Using high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) and non-targeted analysis (NTA) to discover novel PFAS in environmental water samples

Research Area (s)

Water

Lab, Region/Center, Office

Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling (CEMM), Office of Research and Development

Opportunity Location

Research Triangle Park, North Carolina

Opportunity Funding (Duration)

• National Science Foundation Non-Academic Research Internships for Graduate Students (INTERN) Supplemental Funding Opportunity (6 months maximum)

Project Description

The project focuses on research and technology transfer on the use of HRMS and NTA surface and groundwater for the discovery of novel per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS).   One or more of the following research topics could be included: wastewater discharge; groundwater and surface water monitoring studies; fate and transport studies; remediation studies; and contaminants of emerging concern in surface water and groundwater.  The project supports the EPA’s CEMM’s strategic goal of developing applied scientific and engineering solutions, technologies, and cutting-edge innovations to protect and remediate our air, land, and water resources, and critical infrastructure challenged by systemic and acute environmental contamination.

Fellowship Goal and Learning Objectives

Goal:  The fellow will learn the use of high-resolution mass spectrometry and non-targeted analysis techniques to identify novel PFAS contaminants in water samples. 

Learning Objectives:

• Characterize PFAS in water samples using in-house developed workflows and OEM and open-source software.
• Conduct experiments, analyze data, and write peer-reviewed journal articles.
• Learn the use and operation of different analytical instruments (e.g. LC coupled to ion mobility, QTOFMS) and methodologies

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

Preferred Skills:

• Strong verbal and writing skills.
• Ability to work both as a part of a team and independently.
• Basic knowledge of analytical instrumentation related to analysis of organic contaminants water including, but not limited to: solid phase extraction (SPE), liquid chromatography (LC) and mass spectrometry (MS).

Qualifications:  Graduate student or Ph.D. in one of the relevant fields (e.g., Environmental Engineering, Environmental Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geochemistry, Biogeochemistry, Geo-environmental Engineering, Soil Science).

Point of Contact or Research Lead

Mark Strynar (Strynar.mark@epa.gov)