Methods for sample pretreatment and detection of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in biological samples: A review

Abstract

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of persistent organic pollutants that exhibit various transmission routes, ubiquity in the environment and human body, and toxicity to organisms. Accurately analyzing the types and concentrations of PFAS in organisms, along with their health impacts, has become a significant public concern. The primary challenge in detecting PFAS in biological samples is the complexity of the samples. Therefore, a sample pre-treatment procedure is commonly required before the analysis of biological samples. This review summarizes the latest advancements in the instrumental detection methods for PFAS in biological samples over the past five years, with a specific focus on technical aspects including sample pre-treatment strategies. Additionally, it provides a brief outlook on the future development trends of these methods.