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Duny M, Cortéjade A, Wiest L, Nicolas M, Vulliet E. Single injection LC-MS/MS analytical method for the quantification of diverse families of micropollutants, including PFAS and organotins, in Gammarus fossarum. J Chromatogr A 2024; 1720:464778. [PMID: 38432107 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2024.464778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Since the last decades, light has been shed on the pollution of aquatic ecosystems. Considering apolar compounds in water, analysis of the dissolved phase is not sufficient due to their possible bioaccumulation. Additional analysis of sediments, biota, or sentinel species is necessary. Among sentinel species, Gammarus fossarum is a small shrimp of 30 mg that lives naturally in the river. Its ability to bioaccumulate makes it a good bioindicator of river pollution. Nevertheless, micropollutants are difficult to extract from gammarids due to their small size and their high level of lipids. Extracted interferences can lead to analytical difficulties. Targeted micropollutants in this work were organotins, personal and pharmaceutical care products (PPCPs), pesticides, flame retardants, and perfluorinated compounds. A sample preparation based on QuEChERS followed by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was developed: different salts (acetate and citrate) and purification (addition of hexane, dispersive SPE) were tested and validated. Targeted molecules used to be analyzed by LC-MS/MS, except organotins which are principally analyzed in gas chromatography. One of the main challenges was to quantify them also in LC-MS/MS to implement an original multi-residue method. The analysis of 40 compounds was finally validated according to ICH guidelines, with LOQs ranging from 0.04 ng.g-1 to 313.5 ng.g-1. Regarding Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and the sum of hexabromocyclododecane, LOQs reached the environmental quality standards in biota which are respectively of 9.1 and 167 ng.g-1. Finally, the method was applied to 15 real samples. Many compounds were quantified: perfluorinated compounds, drugs such as ketoprofen, and even cosmetics products such as octocrylene. This is the first study to quantify as many emerging compounds, especially organotins, in a sentinel species such as G. fossarum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Duny
- CARSO-LSEHL, 4 avenue Jean Moulin, Vénissieux 69633, France; Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1 ISA, UMR 5280 CNRS, 5 rue de la Doua, Villeurbanne 69100, France
| | | | - Laure Wiest
- Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1 ISA, UMR 5280 CNRS, 5 rue de la Doua, Villeurbanne 69100, France
| | | | - Emmanuelle Vulliet
- Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1 ISA, UMR 5280 CNRS, 5 rue de la Doua, Villeurbanne 69100, France.
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2
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Stecconi T, Tavoloni T, Stramenga A, Bacchiocchi S, Barola C, Dubbini A, Galarini R, Moretti S, Sagratini G, Piersanti A. A LC-MS/MS procedure for the analysis of 19 perfluoroalkyl substances in food fulfilling recent EU regulations requests. Talanta 2024; 266:125054. [PMID: 37611367 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.125054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are synthetic, stable, fluorinated molecules widely used in consumer products. They are non-biodegradable, persistent and bio-accumulating. In 2020 European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) lowered the Tolerable Weekly Intake (TWI) for the four PFASs (PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS) and in 2022, the EU issued a Recommendation asking to monitor twenty-one PFASs in food. Since 1st January 2023 limits in food were set. Here we report a sensitive, straightforward and robust procedure enabling the determination of 19 PFAS in food matrices using a liquid chromatography mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS). Few are the published methods applicable to the different food matrices and covering the molecules listed in Recommendation 2022/1431, fulfilling the LOQs requested. The method was satisfactory validated (UNI CEI EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018 and Regulation (EU) 2022/1428) and used to investigate hen egg samples, highlighting home-produced eggs as the more critical egg farming process for PFAS accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Stecconi
- University of Camerino, School of Pharmacy, 62032, Camerino, Italy.
| | - Tamara Tavoloni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche "Togo Rosati", Via Cupa di Posatora 3, 60131, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Arianna Stramenga
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche "Togo Rosati", Via Cupa di Posatora 3, 60131, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Simone Bacchiocchi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche "Togo Rosati", Via Cupa di Posatora 3, 60131, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Carolina Barola
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche "Togo Rosati", Via G. Salvemini 1, 06126, Perugia, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Dubbini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche "Togo Rosati", Via Cupa di Posatora 3, 60131, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Roberta Galarini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche "Togo Rosati", Via G. Salvemini 1, 06126, Perugia, Italy.
| | - Simone Moretti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche "Togo Rosati", Via G. Salvemini 1, 06126, Perugia, Italy.
| | - Gianni Sagratini
- University of Camerino, School of Pharmacy, 62032, Camerino, Italy.
| | - Arianna Piersanti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche "Togo Rosati", Via Cupa di Posatora 3, 60131, Ancona, Italy.
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3
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Roila R, Piersanti A, Valiani A, Ranucci D, Tavoloni T, Stramenga A, Griffoni F, Pittura L, Gorbi S, Franceschini R, Agnetti F, Palma G, Branciari R. Carassius auratus as a bioindicator of the health status of Lake Trasimeno and risk assessment for consumers. Ital J Food Saf 2023; 12:11137. [PMID: 37680319 PMCID: PMC10480937 DOI: 10.4081/ijfs.2023.11137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Fish are good bio-indicators of the health status of the aquatic environment and can be used as biomarkers to assess the aquatic behavior of environmental pollutants, the exposure of aquatic organisms, and the health risk for consumers. Goldfish are a significant bioindicator in the Lake Trasimeno aquatic system (Umbria, Italy). This study aimed to characterize the health status and the chemical and biotic contamination of Lake Trasimeno to define its anthropogenic and natural pressures and the risk associated with consuming its fishery products. 114 determinations were performed on Carassius auratus samples from 2018 to 2020, and the occurrence of brominated flame retardants, non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls, heavy metals, and microplastics was analytically investigated. Dietary exposure assessment, risk characterization, and benefit-risk evaluation were performed for schoolchildren from 3 to 10 years old. Flame-retardants registered high levels of non-detects (99% for polybrominated diphenyl ether and 76% for hexabromocyclododecanes), while polychlorinated biphenyls were found in all samples with a maximum level of 56.3 ng/g. Traces of at least one heavy metal were found in all samples, though always below the regulatory limit. Microplastics were found with a 75% frequency of fish ingesting at least one particle. Dietary exposure and risk characterization reveal negligible contributions to the reference values of all contaminants, except for mercury, which reached up to 25% of admissible daily intake. The benefit- risk assessment highlighted that the benefits of freshwater fish intake outweigh the associated risks. The examination of goldfish as indicator fish reveals the quality of Lake Trasimeno's aquatic environment and the safety of its products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossana Roila
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia
| | - Arianna Piersanti
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Umbria and Marche Togo Rosati, Perugia
| | - Andrea Valiani
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Umbria and Marche Togo Rosati, Perugia
| | - David Ranucci
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia
| | - Tamara Tavoloni
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Umbria and Marche Togo Rosati, Perugia
| | - Arianna Stramenga
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Umbria and Marche Togo Rosati, Perugia
| | - Francesco Griffoni
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Umbria and Marche Togo Rosati, Perugia
| | - Lucia Pittura
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona
| | - Stefania Gorbi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona
| | | | - Francesco Agnetti
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Umbria and Marche Togo Rosati, Perugia
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Zhang M, Meng X, Li N, Zou W, Wei H, Liu R, Sun Y, Chen W, Cui J, Wang C. Integration of solid-phase microextraction and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy for in-vivo screening of polybrominated diphenyl ether. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2023; 293:122476. [PMID: 36787678 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2023.122476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The monitoring of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) is of great significance owing to their high persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity to humans and animals. In this study, a sensitive and reproducible probe that integrates solid-phase microextraction and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SPME-SERS) was developed for screening PBDEs in multiphase specimens, including live fish, water, and electrical products. A roughed Cu fiber with an Ag layer was fabricated with dual functions. BDE-15 was readily extracted and detected on the SPME-SERS probe consisting of propanethiol-modified Ag nanoplates on a Cu wire. A clear linear relationship (R2 = 0.988) was established between the SERS intensity at 782 cm-1 and the logarithmic concentrations (from 100 ppb to 100 ppm), with a detection limit of 15 ppb. This proposed method enables continuous in vivo monitoring in fish without complicated pretreatments. The results obtained by this SPME-SERS approach were validated by high-performance liquid chromatography and showed good agreement. This "extracting and detecting" SPME-SERS method provides a potential tool to monitor the occurrence, formation, and migration of PBDEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengping Zhang
- Physical and Chemical Laboratory, Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250000, PR China
| | - Xiao Meng
- Physical and Chemical Laboratory, Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250000, PR China
| | - Nianlu Li
- Physical and Chemical Laboratory, Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250000, PR China
| | - Wei Zou
- Physical and Chemical Laboratory, Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250000, PR China
| | - Haiyan Wei
- Physical and Chemical Laboratory, Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250000, PR China
| | - Ranran Liu
- Physical and Chemical Laboratory, Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250000, PR China
| | - Yaxin Sun
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Wenwen Chen
- Physical and Chemical Laboratory, Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250000, PR China
| | - Jingcheng Cui
- School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan 250101, Shandong, China.
| | - Cuijuan Wang
- Physical and Chemical Laboratory, Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250000, PR China.
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Mahfoudhi G, Ameur WB, Malysheva SV, Szternfeld P, Touil S, Driss MR, Joly L. First study of bromophenols and hexabromocyclododecanes in seafood from North Africa (case of Bizerte Lagoon, Tunisia): occurrence and human health risk. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:64499-64516. [PMID: 37071363 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-26901-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
In spite of the fact that bromophenols (BPs) and hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs) are widely used as flame retardants, no data was available until now on the levels of these two chemicals in North Africa biota. Seafood products might represent one of the main sources of dietary exposure to persistent organic pollutants such as non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (ndl-PCBs), brominated flame retardants (BFRs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). In this study, the concentrations of the ndl-PCBs, PAH4, and BFRs were determined in seafood products from a North African lagoon (Bizerte lagoon). Almost all the compounds were detected (15 out of 18) in the analyzed marine organisms. The accumulation of the contaminants followed the order BFRs > ndl-PCB > PAH4. Mean contaminants concentrations ranged from 0.35 to 28.7 ng g-1 ww for ∑ndl-PCBs; from below limit of quantification to 476 ng g-1 ww for ∑BFRs and from below limit of quantification to 5.30 ng g-1 ww for ∑PAH4. PCB 138, 153, and 180 were the most frequently detected ndl-PCB congeners due to their high resistance to metabolic degradation. 2,4-dibromophenol (2,4-DBP) was the predominant BFR. Chrysene (Chr) was found to be the main contributor to the total PAH4 concentration. Contaminant profiles varied significantly among seafood which may be due to the difference in lipid content, trophic level, feeding behavior, and metabolism. To assess the human health risks, the average daily dose exposure of ndl-PCBs, the dietary daily intake of PAHs and the estimated dietary intake of 3,3-,5,5-tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) and HBCD from seafood were estimated. Findings indicated no adverse effects for human health from any of the analyzed contaminants, except for ndl-PCBs in eel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghzela Mahfoudhi
- Laboratory of Hetero-Organic Compounds and Nanostructured Materials (LR18ES11), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, 7021, Zarzouna, Tunisia
- Sciensano, Scientific Direction Chemical and Physical Health Risks, Rue Juliette Wytsman 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Walid Ben Ameur
- Laboratory of Hetero-Organic Compounds and Nanostructured Materials (LR18ES11), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, 7021, Zarzouna, Tunisia.
- Ecologie de La Faune Terrestre UR17ES44, Département Des Sciences de La Vie, Faculté Des Sciences de Gabès, Université de Gabès, Gabès, Tunisia.
| | - Svetlana V Malysheva
- Sciensano, Scientific Direction Chemical and Physical Health Risks, Rue Juliette Wytsman 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Philippe Szternfeld
- Sciensano, Scientific Direction Chemical and Physical Health Risks, Rue Juliette Wytsman 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Soufiane Touil
- Laboratory of Hetero-Organic Compounds and Nanostructured Materials (LR18ES11), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, 7021, Zarzouna, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Ridha Driss
- Laboratory of Hetero-Organic Compounds and Nanostructured Materials (LR18ES11), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, 7021, Zarzouna, Tunisia
| | - Laure Joly
- Sciensano, Scientific Direction Chemical and Physical Health Risks, Rue Juliette Wytsman 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
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Tholley MS, George LY, Fu M, Qiao Z, Wang G, Ling S, Peng C, Zhang W, Ye C, Liu F, Yang J. Occurrence, spatial distribution, and risk assessment of brominated flame retardants in farmland soils of typical provinces in China. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 313:137356. [PMID: 36460150 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, we investigated the occurrence, distribution, and potential risks of 4 brominated flame retardants in farmland soils across 18 provinces of China. The total mean concentrations of the BFRs were in order as DBDPE > BDE209 > HBB > TBB. DBDPE concentration was highest at 177.208 ng/kg, revealing its long-term use and persistence across the study areas. In parts of China, DBDPE was highest in the south (Sichuan, Shaanxi and Guangdong provinces), BDE209 was highest in the south (Sichuan province) and north (Jilin province), while HBB was highest in the south (Sichuan province) and east (Anhui and Zhejiang provinces) of China. Comparisons of the results in this study to other reported studies in different regions indicated that the studied BFRs concentrations were higher in the studied provinces of China. Pearson correlation between BFRs revealed both positive and negative associations within the BFRs groups and between BFRs and soil properties (SOM, CEC, pH, EC and PS%). The mean hazard quotients (HQ) of ecological risks ranged from 8.76 × 10-6 to 1.16 × 10-2 (HQ < 1) while non-carcinogenic human health risk evaluation for adults ranged from 7.05 × 10-7 - 7.48 × 10-4 (HQ < 1) and for children 2.99 × 10-4 - 4.30 × 10-2 (HQ < 1). Although the risk evaluations of BFRs from farmland soils in this study were low, the results serve as useful indicators of potential cumulative and long-term threats of BFR to rural areas where there is a high conversion of agricultural lands to non-agricultural use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mabinty Sarah Tholley
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, PR China; State Environmental Protection Engineering Center for Urban Soil Contamination Control and Remediation, Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai, 200233, PR China
| | - Lartey Young George
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, PR China
| | - Mengru Fu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, PR China; State Environmental Protection Engineering Center for Urban Soil Contamination Control and Remediation, Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai, 200233, PR China
| | - Zhihua Qiao
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, PR China
| | - Gehui Wang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, PR China
| | - Siyuan Ling
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, PR China
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, PR China
| | - Wei Zhang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, PR China; State Environmental Protection Engineering Center for Urban Soil Contamination Control and Remediation, Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai, 200233, PR China.
| | - Chunmei Ye
- State Environmental Protection Engineering Center for Urban Soil Contamination Control and Remediation, Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai, 200233, PR China
| | - Fang Liu
- State Environmental Protection Engineering Center for Urban Soil Contamination Control and Remediation, Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai, 200233, PR China.
| | - Jie Yang
- State Environmental Protection Engineering Center for Urban Soil Contamination Control and Remediation, Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai, 200233, PR China
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Tavoloni T, Stramenga A, Stecconi T, Gavaudan S, Moscati L, Sagratini G, Siracusa M, Ciriaci M, Dubbini A, Piersanti A. Brominated flame retardants (PBDEs and HBCDs) and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in wild boars (Sus scrofa) from Central Italy. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:159745. [PMID: 36349633 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Twenty-six samples of wild boar liver and muscle from the Central Apennine Mountain (Italy) were analysed for 19 perfluoro-alkyl substances (PFASs), 10 polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs) and 3 hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs). All samples were analysed by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for PBDEs and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for PFASs and HBCDs, using an in-house developed analytical procedure. The brominated flame retardants (BFR) levels in livers were negligible: Σ10PBDEs reached a maximum value of 0.079 μg/kg, whereas HBCDs were not quantified in almost all of the samples analysed. BFR concentrations in muscles were higher, but not significantly therefore, for Σ10PBDEs lower bound, a mean value of 0.045 μg/kg (0.005-0.155 μg/kg range) was measured, while α-HBCD was quantified with a maximum of 0.084 μg/kg in 9 of the samples. Only two muscles contained all 3 HBCD isomers at concentrations of approximately 0.200 μg/kg. Σ19PFAS in the 26 wild boar livers was in the range 31.9-228 μg/kg, with a mean value of 87.7 μg/kg, reaching levels significantly higher than in muscles, which exhibited a mean concentration of 3.08 μg/kg (0.59-9.12 μg/kg range). Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) was the most prevalent compound in all liver samples, accounting for more than half of the total PFASs contamination, confirming that the liver is the primary target organ for PFOS exposure Perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA), which accounts for 25-30-% of the total contamination, was the most abundant compound in the muscle, followed by PFOS. The estimated daily intake (EDIs) of BFRs remained below the estimated chronic human daily dietary intake (Dr,h) defined from European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Furthermore, the exposure to PFASs in muscle was 7.7 times lower than the EFSA's tolerable daily intake (TDI). In contrast, exposure due to liver consumption was significant: the EDI exceeded the EFSA's 2020 TDI by approximately 7 times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Tavoloni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche "Togo Rosati", Via Cupa di Posatora 3, 60131 Ancona, Italy.
| | - Arianna Stramenga
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche "Togo Rosati", Via Cupa di Posatora 3, 60131 Ancona, Italy.
| | - Tommaso Stecconi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche "Togo Rosati", Via G. Salvemini 1, 06126 Perugia, Italy; University of Camerino, School of Pharmacy, 62032 Camerino, Italy.
| | - Stefano Gavaudan
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche "Togo Rosati", Via Cupa di Posatora 3, 60131 Ancona, Italy.
| | - Livia Moscati
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche "Togo Rosati", Via G. Salvemini 1, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Gianni Sagratini
- University of Camerino, School of Pharmacy, 62032 Camerino, Italy.
| | - Melania Siracusa
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche "Togo Rosati", Via Cupa di Posatora 3, 60131 Ancona, Italy.
| | - Martina Ciriaci
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche "Togo Rosati", Via Cupa di Posatora 3, 60131 Ancona, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Dubbini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche "Togo Rosati", Via Cupa di Posatora 3, 60131 Ancona, Italy.
| | - Arianna Piersanti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche "Togo Rosati", Via Cupa di Posatora 3, 60131 Ancona, Italy.
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8
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Lipičar E, Fras D, Javernik N, Prosen H. Simultaneous Method for Selected PBDEs and HBCDDs in Foodstuffs Using Gas Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry and Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry. TOXICS 2022; 11:15. [PMID: 36668741 PMCID: PMC9862769 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Flame retardants are added to consumer products to retard the ignition of combustible materials. Technical mixtures of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) were massively used for several decades. They are bioaccumulative, persistent, and have adverse effects on organisms. Recognised as persistent organic pollutants, they are banned almost worldwide. Food is the principal source of human exposure. Yet, no maximum residue limits for food have been established in the EU. Nevertheless, monitoring of specific congeners is recommended. Simultaneous analysis of HBCDDs and PBDEs is rarely encountered, especially including BDE-209, as this thermally unstable congener is particularly challenging for analysis. We have developed a method for the simultaneous determination of all relevant PBDEs and HBCDDs recommended for monitoring by the EU. In the method, single sample preparation is used for different types of foodstuffs, applying ultrasound-assisted extraction, clean-up by gel permeation, and adsorption chromatography. Analyses were performed on the same extract, first by GC-MS/MS(EI) method for PBDEs and followed by LC-MS/MS(ESI) method for HBCDDs. The analytical method was validated on a blank sample of milk formula at 2-3 fortification levels, including recommended LOQ level of 0.01 µg/kg wet weight. Satisfactory accuracy with recoveries 85-119%, intra-day precision (1.5-11.3%), and inter-day precision (4.3-18.4%) was obtained. The method ensures LOQs that are compliant with the EU recommendations for all PBDEs and HBCDDs, including BDE-209. Method applicability was further confirmed on proficiency testing samples of baby food, fish, and citrus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Lipičar
- National Laboratory of Health, Environment and Food, Centre for Chemical Analysis of Food, Water and Other Environmental Samples, Prvomajska ulica 1, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 113, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Danijela Fras
- National Laboratory of Health, Environment and Food, Centre for Chemical Analysis of Food, Water and Other Environmental Samples, Prvomajska ulica 1, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Nino Javernik
- National Laboratory of Health, Environment and Food, Centre for Chemical Analysis of Food, Water and Other Environmental Samples, Prvomajska ulica 1, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Helena Prosen
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 113, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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9
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Xu ML, Gao Y, Wang X, Han XX, Zhao B. Comprehensive Strategy for Sample Preparation for the Analysis of Food Contaminants and Residues by GC-MS/MS: A Review of Recent Research Trends. Foods 2021; 10:2473. [PMID: 34681522 PMCID: PMC8535889 DOI: 10.3390/foods10102473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Food safety and quality have been gaining increasing attention in recent years. Gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS), a highly sensitive technique, is gradually being preferred to GC-MS in food safety laboratories since it provides a greater degree of separation on contaminants. In the analysis of food contaminants, sample preparation steps are crucial. The extraction of multiple target analytes simultaneously has become a new trend. Thus, multi-residue analytical methods, such as QuEChERs and adsorption extraction, are fast, simple, cheap, effective, robust, and safe. The number of microorganic contaminants has been increasing worldwide in recent years and are considered contaminants of emerging concern. High separation in MS/MS might be, in certain cases, favored to sample preparation selectivity. The ideal sample extraction procedure and purification method should take into account the contaminants of interest. Moreover, these methods should cooperate with high-resolution MS, and other sensitive full scan MSs that can produce a more comprehensive detection of contaminants in foods. In this review, we discuss the most recent trends in preparation methods for highly effective detection and analysis of food contaminants, which can be considered tools in the control of food quality and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Lei Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China;
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Yu Gao
- College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China;
| | - Xiao Wang
- Jilin Institute for Food Control, Changchun 130103, China;
| | - Xiao Xia Han
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China;
| | - Bing Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China;
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10
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Roila R, Branciari R, Ranucci D, Stramenga A, Tavoloni T, Stecconi T, Franceschini R, Piersanti A. Risk Characterization and Benefit-Risk Assessment of Brominated Flame Retardant in Commercially Exploited Freshwater Fishes and Crayfish of Lake Trasimeno, Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18168763. [PMID: 34444507 PMCID: PMC8393685 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Among brominated flame retardants (BFRs), polybrominateddiphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs) were the most widely used in past decades. BFRs not being chemically bonded to polymers means they can easily leach from the products into the environment and bioaccumulate. Humans are exposed to flame retardants mainly through food consumption, especially fish and fish products. In the present study, the occurrence of PBDEs and HBCDs in freshwater fishes and crayfish from Lake Trasimeno (Umbria region, central Italy) was assessed according to monitoring plans recommended by European competent authorities. The dietary exposure of the central Italian population to such molecules was calculated, and the risk characterization and the benefit–risk evaluation were also assessed. A total of 90 samples were analyzed by means of gas and liquid chromatography associated with triple quadrupole mass spectroscopy. A total of 51% of samples were found positive for at least one of the congeners; the most frequently found molecule was BDE-47. The data on dietary exposure ranged from 0.138 to 1.113 pg/kg body weight/day for ∑PBDE and from 0.805 to 0.868 pg/kg body weight/day for ∑HBCD. The data show no health risks for the central Italian population consuming freshwater fish products from Lake Trasimeno in relation to exposure to PBDE and HBCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossana Roila
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Raffaella Branciari
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy;
- Correspondence: (R.B.); (D.R.); Tel.: +39-075-585-7936 (R.B.); +39-075-585-7931 (D.R.)
| | - David Ranucci
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy;
- Correspondence: (R.B.); (D.R.); Tel.: +39-075-585-7936 (R.B.); +39-075-585-7931 (D.R.)
| | - Arianna Stramenga
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche “Togo Rosati”, Via Cupa di Posatora 3, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (A.S.); (T.T.); (T.S.); (A.P.)
| | - Tamara Tavoloni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche “Togo Rosati”, Via Cupa di Posatora 3, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (A.S.); (T.T.); (T.S.); (A.P.)
| | - Tommaso Stecconi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche “Togo Rosati”, Via Cupa di Posatora 3, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (A.S.); (T.T.); (T.S.); (A.P.)
| | | | - Arianna Piersanti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche “Togo Rosati”, Via Cupa di Posatora 3, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (A.S.); (T.T.); (T.S.); (A.P.)
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11
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Tavoloni T, Stecconi T, Galarini R, Bacchiocchi S, Dörr AJM, Elia AC, Giannotti M, Siracusa M, Stramenga A, Piersanti A. BFRs (PBDEs and HBCDs) in freshwater species from Lake Trasimeno (Italy): The singular case of HBCDs in red swamp crayfish. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 758:143585. [PMID: 33213903 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Eighty-six samples belonging to five different species (crucian carp, Carassius carassius; European perch, Perca fluviatilis; tench, Tinca tinca; eel, Anguilla anguilla; red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii) collected from Lake Trasimeno (Italy) were analyzed to assess polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs) contamination. The Trasimeno is the largest Italian peninsular lake located in Umbria (Central Italy), in a rural area with low anthropogenic impact. All the samples were analyzed by an in-house developed analytical procedure involving a single sample preparation with dual detection: Gas- and Liquid-Chromatography coupled to tandem Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS for PBDEs and LC-MS/MS for HBCDs). BFRs levels in crucian carp, tench and European perch were negligible and mostly below quantification limits (LOQs). In eel, the species with the higher fat content, PBDE sum (15 congeners) ranged from 0.269 to 0.916 ng/g w.w. BDE-47, -100 and -154 accounted for roughly 57%, 16% and 11% of the PBDE sum, respectively, while BDE-99 (usually one of the most abundant congeners in biota), only for 3%. HBCDs (sum of α-, β-, γ-isomers) were found between 0.157 and 1.14 ng/g w.w. with α- as predominant isomer (92% of the sum), followed by γ- (5%) and β- (2%). Peculiar was the contamination in red swamp crayfish characterized by negligible PBDEs and very high HBCDs levels with a singular contamination pattern. In female pools (n = 9) the mean HBCDs sum was 0.150 ng/g w.w., while in males higher concentrations were measured (mean = 2.77 ng/g w.w.). A significant correlation seems to exist between the contamination level and the seasonal cycle only in male crayfish. Interestingly, among the HBCDs, the γ-isomer was the highest (67% of the total) while α- contributes only for 20%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Tavoloni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche "Togo Rosati", Via Cupa di Posatora 3, 60131 Ancona, Italy.
| | - Tommaso Stecconi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche "Togo Rosati", Via Cupa di Posatora 3, 60131 Ancona, Italy.
| | - Roberta Galarini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche "Togo Rosati", Via G. Salvemini 1, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Simone Bacchiocchi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche "Togo Rosati", Via Cupa di Posatora 3, 60131 Ancona, Italy.
| | | | - Antonia Concetta Elia
- University of Perugia, Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Massimiliano Giannotti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche "Togo Rosati", Via Cupa di Posatora 3, 60131 Ancona, Italy.
| | - Melania Siracusa
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche "Togo Rosati", Via Cupa di Posatora 3, 60131 Ancona, Italy.
| | - Arianna Stramenga
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche "Togo Rosati", Via Cupa di Posatora 3, 60131 Ancona, Italy.
| | - Arianna Piersanti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche "Togo Rosati", Via Cupa di Posatora 3, 60131 Ancona, Italy.
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12
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Yu Y, Liu L, Chen X, Xiang M, Li Z, Liu Y, Zeng Y, Han Y, Yu Z. Brominated flame retardants and heavy metals in common aquatic products from the pearl river delta, south china: Bioaccessibility assessment and human health implications. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 403:124036. [PMID: 33265051 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Aquatic products are an important source of environmental pollutants to humans. This study was conducted to assess the bioaccessibility of selected brominated flame retardants and heavy metals in common aquatic products from the Pearl River Delta, South China, as well as associated human health risks. Based on a questionnaire survey, ten of the most consumed aquatic products were collected from local markets. The bioaccessibility of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDDs), and heavy metals was assessed using an in vitro gastrointestinal model. Bioaccessibility of heavy metals (33.0-84.0%) and HBCDDs (38.5-68.4%) was significantly higher than that of PBDEs (13.4-65.4%). Total non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks from heavy metal consumption were much higher than the threshold values due to excessive abundances of arsenic in shellfish (HQ = 2.45, CR = 1.1 ×10-3). Furthermore, middle-aged populations and females were subjected to greater health risks due to different intakes of aquatic products among age and gender groups. Significant difference in bioaccessibility among analytes indicated that bioaccessibility of pollutants is non-negligible in health risk assessment. This is the first study systematically investigating health risks of aquatic products consumption and concludes that shellfish is a great cause for concern for the PRD residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunjiang Yu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Liting Liu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China; School of Public Health, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121000, China
| | - Xichao Chen
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Mingdeng Xiang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Zongrui Li
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China.
| | - Yu Liu
- Research Institute of Poyang Lake, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanchang 330096, China
| | - Yuan Zeng
- School of Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yajing Han
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Ziling Yu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China
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13
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Munschy C, Bely N, Héas-Moisan K, Olivier N, Pollono C, Hollanda S, Bodin N. Tissue-specific bioaccumulation of a wide range of legacy and emerging persistent organic contaminants in swordfish (Xiphias gladius) from Seychelles, Western Indian Ocean. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 158:111436. [PMID: 32753219 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Swordfish (Xiphias gladius) is a major marine resource of high economic value to industrial and artisanal fisheries. As a top predator with a long lifespan, it is prone to accumulate high levels of contaminants. The bioaccumulation of a wide range of both legacy and emerging persistent organic contaminants was investigated in the muscle, liver and gonads of swordfish collected from the Seychelles, western Indian Ocean. The detection of all target contaminants, some at frequencies above 80%, highlights their widespread occurrence, albeit at low levels. Mean concentrations in muscle were 5637, 491 and 331 pg g-1 ww for organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), respectively. ∑BFR mean concentrations were far below, i.e. 47 pg g-1 ww. The data are among the first obtained for such a high diversity of contaminants in an oceanic top predator worldwide and constitute a benchmark of the contamination of Indian Ocean ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Munschy
- IFREMER (French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea), Laboratory of Biogeochemistry of Organic Contaminants, Rue de l'Ile d'Yeu, BP 21105, 44311 Nantes Cedex 3, France.
| | - N Bely
- IFREMER (French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea), Laboratory of Biogeochemistry of Organic Contaminants, Rue de l'Ile d'Yeu, BP 21105, 44311 Nantes Cedex 3, France
| | - K Héas-Moisan
- IFREMER (French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea), Laboratory of Biogeochemistry of Organic Contaminants, Rue de l'Ile d'Yeu, BP 21105, 44311 Nantes Cedex 3, France
| | - N Olivier
- IFREMER (French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea), Laboratory of Biogeochemistry of Organic Contaminants, Rue de l'Ile d'Yeu, BP 21105, 44311 Nantes Cedex 3, France
| | - C Pollono
- IFREMER (French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea), Laboratory of Biogeochemistry of Organic Contaminants, Rue de l'Ile d'Yeu, BP 21105, 44311 Nantes Cedex 3, France
| | - S Hollanda
- SFA (Seychelles Fishing Authority), Fishing Port, Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles
| | - N Bodin
- SFA (Seychelles Fishing Authority), Fishing Port, Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles; IRD (French Research Institute for Sustainable Development), Fishing Port, Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles
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14
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Determination of Hexabromocyclododecanes in Fish Using Modified QuEChERS Method with Efficient Extract Clean-Up Prior to Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry. SEPARATIONS 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/separations7030044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A modified QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) sample preparation method coupled with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) was proposed for the determination of α-, β-, and γ-hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) diastereomers in whole-fish homogenate samples. The main modification of the QuEChERS method concerned a clean-up step in which the combination of pH-tuned dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) with 18.4 M H2SO4 digestion allowed to successfully eliminate the matrix substances from the final extract. For the target HBCDs, good response linearity was obtained with coefficients of determination (R2) >0.998 for the concentration range corresponding to 0.1–50 ng of analyte per g of sample. Limits of quantifications (LOQs) were 0.15–0.25 ng g−1 ww (wet weight), and the recoveries from samples spiked at levels of 0.5 and 5 ng g−1 ranged from 89% to 102% with relative standard deviations <7.5%. The accuracy of the method was verified by analysis of the NIST standard reference material SRM 1947, and a good agreement (90%) was obtained with the certified value for the α-HBCD present in the sample. Finally, the method was applied to the analysis of 293 fish samples collected in water bodies from all over Slovakia, in which the highest concentrations were determined for α-HBCD with the maximum value of 31 ng g−1 ww.
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