Determination of ultraviolet filters in human nails using an acid sample digestion followed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis

An evaluation of dogs' exposure to benzophenones through hair sample analysis

Introduction

Benzophenones (BPs) are used in various branches of industry as ultraviolet radiation filters, but they pollute the natural environment, penetrate living organisms, and disrupt endocrine balance. Knowledge of the exposure of domestic animals to these substances is extremely scant. The aim of the study was to investigate long-term exposure of companion dogs to BPs and relate this to environmental factors.

Material and Methods

Hair samples taken from 50 dogs and 50 bitches from under 2 to over 10 years old were analysed for BP content with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

The results revealed that dogs are most often exposed to 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone (BP-3) and 4-dihydroxybenzophenone (BP-1). Concentration levels of BP-3 above the method quantification limit (MQL) were noted in 100% of the samples and fluctuated from 4.75 ng/g to 1,765 ng/g. In turn, concentration levels of BP-1 above the MQL were noted in 37% of the samples and ranged from <0.50 ng/g to 666 ng/g. Various factors (such as the use of hygiene and care products and the dog's diet) were found to affect BP concentration levels. Higher levels of BP-3 were observed in castrated/spayed animals and in animals that required veterinary intervention more often.

Conclusion

The results obtained show that the analysis of hair samples may be a useful matrix for biomonitoring BPs in dogs, and that these substances may be toxic to them.

Biomonitoring of benzophenones in guano samples of wild bats in Poland

Benzophenones (BPs) are substances used in the production of sunscreens, cosmetics, and personal care products. However, there is a lack of knowledge of BPs in wild animals. Therefore, the study aimed to assess the concentration of selected BPs commonly used in the cosmetic industry in guano samples collected from 4 colonies of greater mouse-eared bats (Myotis myotis). Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to determine guano concentrations of benzophenone 1 (BP-1), benzophenone 2 (BP-2), benzophenone 3 (BP-3) and benzophenone 8 (BP-8). BP-1 levels above the method quantification limit (MQL) were noted in 97.5% of samples and fluctuated from <0.1 ng/g to 259 ng/g (mean 41.50 ng/g, median 34.8). The second most common was BP-3, which fluctuated from <0.1 ng/g to 19 ng/g (mean 6.67 ng/g, median 5.05), and its levels higher than MQL were observed in 40% of samples. BP-2 and BP-8 concentrations did not exceed the method detection limit (0.04 ng/g) in any analyzed sample. There were visible differences in the BP-1 and BP-3 levels among the studied bat colonies. Mean BP-1 concentration fluctuated from 11.23±13.13 ng/g to 76.71±65.51 ng/g and differed significantly between the colonies. Mean BP-3 concentration fluctuated from 5.03±6.03 ng/g to 9.18±7.65 mg/g, but it did not differ significantly between the colonies. The results show that guano is a suitable matrix for the assessment of wildlife exposure to BPs. This could be particularly advantageous in protected species, where not disturbing and stressing the animals are crucial.

Analytical method for the determination of usually prescribed antibiotics in human nails using UHPLC-MS/MS. Comparison of the efficiency of two extraction techniques

Antibiotics are a group of drugs used for the treatment of bacterial diseases. They are used in both human and veterinary medicine and, although they are not permitted, they are sometimes used as growth promoters. The present research compares two extraction techniques: ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) in order to evaluate their efficiency in the determination of 17 usually prescribed antibiotics in human nails. The extraction parameters were optimized using multivariate techniques. Once both techniques were compared, MAE was selected as optimal due to its greater experimental practicability together with the better extraction efficiencies it provides. Target analytes were detected and quantified by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry detection (UHPLC-MS/MS). The run time was 20 min. The methodology was then successfully validated, obtaining acceptable analytical parameters according to the guide used. Limits of detection were between 0.3 and 3 ng g^-1 and limits of quantification were in the range from 1.0 to 4.0 ng g^-1. Recovery percentages ranged from 87.5% to 114.2%, and precision (in terms of standard deviation) was less than 15% in all cases. Finally, the optimized method was applied to nails taken from 10 volunteers and the results revealed the presence of one or more antibiotics in all the samples examined. The most commonly found antibiotic was sulfamethoxazole, followed by danofloxacin and levofloxacin. The results demonstrated, on the one hand, the presence of these compounds in the human body and, on the other hand, the suitability of nails as a non-invasive biomarker of exposure.

Primary and ultimate degradation of benzophenone-type UV filters under different environmental conditions and the underlying structure-biodegradability relationships

Ten common benzophenone-based UV filters (BPs), sharing the same basic structure and differing only in their substituents, were investigated with respect to their primary and ultimate biodegradability. This study was carried out in order to gain deeper insights into the relationship between structure and biodegradability. The primary biodegradation of the selected BPs was studied in river water at environmentally relevant concentrations (1 µg/L) while varying specific, crucial environmental conditions (aerobic, suboxic, supplementation of nutrients). For this purpose, both batch and column degradation tests were performed, which allowed a systematic study of the effects. Subsequently, the ultimate biodegradation, i.e. the potential to achieve full mineralization of BPs, was examined according to OECD guideline 301 F. The results indicate that mineralization is limited to derivatives in which both aromatic rings contain substituents. This hypothesis was supported by docking simulations showing systematic differences in the orientation of BPs within the active site of the cytochrome P450 enzyme. These differences in orientation correspond to the substitution pattern of the BPs. This study provides valuable insights for assessing the environmental hazards of this class of trace organic compounds.

Concentrations, Compound Profiles, and Possible Sources of Organic UV Filters in Human Milk in China

Ultraviolet (UV) filters are of great concern due to their wide occurrence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity. Little is known about human exposure to UV filters. A total of 3467 individual human milk samples from 24 Chinese provinces were collected during 2017-2019. The concentrations of 12 UV filters in 100 pooled milk samples were determined. The total UV filter concentration was 78-846 (mean 235 ± 120) ng/g lipid weight. The highest and lowest total mean concentrations were for samples from Qinghai and Sichuan provinces, respectively. A significant positive correlation was found between UV radiation levels and UV concentrations in the samples. The dominant UV filters were 2-(2-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl) benzotriazole (UV-P) and ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (EHMC), which contributed means of 32 and 22%, respectively, to the total concentrations. Plastic products and sunscreens were probably the sources of UV-P and EHMC in the human milk from China, respectively. The mean 2-(3,5-di-tert-amyl-2-hydroxyphenyl) benzotriazole (UV-328) concentration was 2.6 ± 2.6 ng/g lipid weight. The UV filter profiles were similar to profiles for samples from Japan, the Philippines, and Switzerland but not for samples from Korea and Vietnam. The estimated daily UV filter intake for breastfed infants was below the corresponding reference dose. This was the first large-scale study of UV filters in human milk and will help assess the risks posed.

Associations between concentrations of typical ultraviolet filter benzophenones in indoor dust and human hair from China: A human exposure study

Benzophenone-3 (BP-3) has been widely used as a typical ultraviolet (UV) filter in various personal care products. While BP-3 and its derivatives (BPs) have been detected in various environmental matrices, very little is known about the concentration profile of BPs in human hair. The associations of BPs in human hair with those in indoor dust samples collected from the same locations remain largely unclear. In this study, a total of 258 indoor dust samples and 66 human hair samples were collected across China and analyzed to determine the presence of BP-3 and its derivatives. The BP-3 concentrations ranged from 0.386 to 1230 ng/g dw in indoor dust and from 0.149 to 696 ng/g dw in human hair. No difference was found between BPs in indoor dust samples from different geographic regions (p > 0.05), whereas relatively higher BP concentrations were observed for dust from urban regions than dust from rural ones (p < 0.05). A positive correlation was found between the BP-3 concentrations of indoor dust and human hair samples (p < 0.05). The estimated daily intake (EDI) of BPs for humans from indoor dust showed a gender difference (females > males; p < 0.05), with the highest EDI value being found in Southwest China (males: 35.5 pg/kg bw/day; females: 40.6 pg/kg bw/day). This study provides the concentration profiles of BPs in human hair and elucidates the associations between the BP concentrations in indoor dust samples and human hair samples collected across China.

Degradation of the UV Filter Benzophenone-4 by Ferrate (VI) in Aquatic Environments

This work demonstrates the potential utility of ferrate(VI)-based advanced oxidation processes for the degradation of a representative UV filter, BP-4. The operational parameters of oxidant dose and temperature were determined with kinetic experiments. In addition, the effects of water constituents including anions (Cl−, HCO3−, NO3−, SO42−), cations (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cu2+, Fe3+), and humic acid (HA) were investigated. Results suggested that the removal rate of BP-4 (5 mg/L) could reach 95% in 60 min, when [Fe(VI)]:[BP-4] = 100:1, T = 25 °C and pH = 7.0, The presence of K+, Cu2+ and Fe3+ could promote the removal of BP-4, but Cl−, SO42−, NO3−, HA and Na+ could significantly inhibit the removal of BP-4. Furthermore, this Fe(VI) oxidation processes has good feasibility in real water samples. These results may provide useful information for the environmental elimination of benzophenone-type UV filters by Fe(VI).

Assessment of human exposure to benzophenone-type UV filters: A review

To avoid the harmful effects of UV radiation, benzophenone-type UV filters (BPs) are widely used in personal care products and other synthetic products. Biomonitoring studies have shown the presence of BPs in various human biological samples, raising health concerns. However, there is a paucity of data on the global human exposure to this group of contaminants. In this study, we compiled data on the body burden of BPs along with the possible exposure routes and biotransformation pathways. BPs can easily penetrate the skin barrier and thus, they can be absorbed through the skin. In the human body, BPs can undergo Phase I (mainly demethylation and hydroxylation) and Phase II (mainly glucuronidation and sulfation) biotransformations. From a total of 158 studies, most of the studies are related to urine (concentration up to 92.7 mg L^-1), followed by those reported in blood (up to 0.9 mg L^-1) and milk (up to 0.8 mg L^-1). Among BPs, benzophenone-1 and benzophenone-3 are the most commonly detected congeners. The body burden of BPs is associated with various factors, including the country of residence, lifestyle, income, education level, and ethnicity. The presence of BPs in maternal urine (up to 1.1 mg L^-1), placenta (up to 9.8 ng g^-1), and amniotic fluid (up to 15.7 μg L^-1) suggests potential risks of prenatal exposure. In addition, transplacental transfer of BPs is possible, as demonstrated by their presence in maternal serum and cord serum. The possible association of BPs exposure and health effects was discussed. Future human biomonitoring studies and studies on the potential health effects are warranted. Overall, this review provides a summary of the global human exposure to BPs and can serve as supporting evidence to guide usage in order to protect humans from being exposed to BPs.

Development and validation of a simultaneous method for the analysis of benzothiazoles and organic ultraviolet filters in various environmental matrices by GC-MS/MS

The presence of benzothiazoles (BTHs) and organic ultraviolet filters (UV filters) in aquatic ecosystems has emerged as a significant environmental issue, requiring urgent and efficient determination methods. A new, rapid, and sensitive determination method using gas chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (GC-MS/MS) was developed for the simultaneous extraction and analysis of 10 commonly used BTHs and 10 organic UV filters in surface water, wastewater, sediment, and sludge. For aqueous samples, solid-phase extraction (SPE) method was employed with optimizing of SPE cartridge type, pH, and elution solvent. For solid samples, ultrasonic extraction-solid-phase extraction purification (UE-SPE) and pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) methods were compared. And extraction conditions for ultrasonic extraction method (extraction solvents and extraction times) and PLE method (extraction temperatures and extraction cycles) were optimized. The limits of quantification for the 20 target compounds in surface water and wastewater were 0.01-2.12 ng/L and 0.05-6.14 ng/L, while those for sediment and sludge with UE-SPE method were 0.04-5.88 ng/g and 0.22-6.61 ng/g, respectively. Among the 20 target compounds, the recoveries ranged from 70 to 130% were obtained for 16, 15, 15, and 15 analytes in the matrix-spiked samples of surface water, wastewater, sediment, and sludge with three levels, respectively. And the precision was also acceptable with relative standard deviation (RSD) below 20% for all analytes. The developed methods were applied for the determination and quantification of target compounds in surface water, sediment, wastewater, and sludge samples collected from two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and the Pearl River in Guangzhou, China. BTHs were frequently detected in surface water and wastewater, while UV filters were mainly found in sediment and sludge. Benzotriazole (BT) and 2-hydroxybenzothiazole (2-OH-BTH) were the two major BTHs in influent wastewater and surface water, respectively, with concentrations up to 966 and 189 ng/L. As for sediment and sludge, 2-(2'-hydroxy-5'-octylphenyl)-benzotriazole (UV-329) was a predominant chemical, detected at concentrations of 111 and 151 ng/g, respectively.

An Overview of the Analytical Methods for the Determination of Organic Ultraviolet Filters in Cosmetic Products and Human Samples

UV filters are a group of compounds commonly used in different cosmetic products to absorb UV radiation. They are classified into a variety of chemical groups, such as benzophenones, salicylates, benzotriazoles, cinnamates, p-aminobenzoates, triazines, camphor derivatives, etc. Different tests have shown that some of these chemicals are absorbed through the skin and metabolised or bioaccumulated. These processes can cause negative health effects, including mutagenic and cancerogenic ones. Due to the absence of official monitoring protocols, there is an increased number of analytical methods that enable the determination of those compounds in cosmetic samples to ensure user safety, as well as in biological fluids and tissues samples, to obtain more information regarding their behaviour in the human body. This review aimed to show and discuss the published studies concerning analytical methods for the determination of organic UV filters in cosmetic and biological samples. It focused on sample preparation, analytical techniques, and analytical performance (limit of detection, accuracy, and repeatability).