Abstract
The association of PFOA with low concentrations and complex water matrices has made its direct quantification using sensitive analytical methods such as UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS challenging. This study used a magnetic beta-cyclodextrin-based molecularly imprinted polymer (TWAC-Fe3O4@β-CD-MIP) prepared via surface imprinting on magnetic tea waste activated carbon (TWAC-Fe3O4). Under optimal conditions, the method exhibited a linear range (17–5000 ng/L, R2 = 0.9990) in real water, with LOD and LOQ of 8.6 ng/L and 29 ng/L, respectively. Precision was high, with intraday and interday %RSD of 2.1% and 3.7%. The adsorbent was reusable for three cycles while maintaining over 60% recovery. Spike recoveries in water samples ranged from 102 to 106% with %RSD <5%, confirming the method’s accuracy. The imprinting factor was 5.57, and adsorption followed the Sips isotherm model. This study explored MIPs for PFOA determination in water.
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•TWAC-Fe3O4@β-CD-MIP was synthesized and used to selectively bind PFOA•The adsorbent showed high affinity, binding and selectivity toward the PFOA•Parameters affecting MSPE efficiency were optimized prior to UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis•The MSPE selectively preconcentrated PFOA prior to UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS quantification
Chemistry; Environmental technology; Materials science; Molecular imprinted technique; Nanomaterials