Analytical approaches for screening of per- and poly fluoroalkyl substances in food items: A review of recent advances and improvements*

Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals characterized by their ubiquitous nature in all environmental compartments which makes them of increasing concern due to their persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity (PBT). Several instrumental methodologies and separation techniques have been identified in the literature for the detection and quantification of PFAS in environmental samples. In this review, we have identified and compared common separation techniques adopted for the extraction of PFAS in food items, and analytical methodologies for identification and quantification of PFAS in food items of plant and animal origin, highlighting recent advances in tandem techniques for the high selectivity and separation of PFAS related compounds as well as knowledge gaps and research needs on current analytical methodologies.

Automated summary

This review examines the common separation techniques and analytical methodologies for detecting and quantifying PFAS in environmental samples, focusing on their extraction from food items of plant and animal origin. The review highlights recent advances in tandem techniques for improved selectivity and separation of PFAS compounds, and identifies knowledge gaps and research needs in current analytical methodologies.