Critical review of micro-extraction techniques used in the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in biological, environmental and food samples

Nectarine core-derived magnetite biochar for ultrasound-assisted preconcentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in tomato paste: A cost-effective and sustainable approach

A novel ultrasound-assisted magnetic solid-phase extraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (US-MSPE-GC/MS) was developed to detect trace amounts of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in tomato paste, using a magnetic biochar adsorbent derived from nectarine cores. The highest extraction recovery was attained under 10 mg adsorbent mass, 30 min extraction time, 9 % (w/v) sodium chloride, and elution with 200 μL of dichloromethane. Under optimum conditions, the method demonstrated excellent linearity (R2 > 0.992) across a wide concentration range (0.01-100 ng g-1) with high sensitivity (LODs: 0.028-0.053 ng g-1, LOQs: 0.094-0.176 ng g-1) and good repeatability (RSDs <5.96 %). The application of the US-MSPE-GC/MS method was tested on four brands of real tomato paste and no PAHs were detected in unspiked samples, indicating no background contamination. This method showed high relative recoveries 88.03-98.52 %) and good reproducibility (<9.19 %.) at two concentration levels, confirming its effectiveness for PAH analysis in real samples.

Analysis of organochlorines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons designed for pollutant biomonitoring in three seabird matrices

Pollutant biomonitoring demands analytical methods to cover a wide range of target compounds, work with minimal sample amounts, and apply least invasive and reproducible sampling procedures. We developed a method to analyse 68 bioaccumulative organic pollutants in three seabird matrices: plasma, liver, and stomach oil, representing different exposure phases. Extraction efficiency was assessed based on recoveries of spiked surrogate samples, then the method was applied to environmental samples collected from Scopoli's shearwater (Calonectris diomedea). Extraction was performed in an ultrasonic bath, purification with Florisil cartridges (5 g, 20 mL), and analysis by GC-Orbitrap-MS. Quality controls at 5 ng yielded satisfactory recoveries (80-120%) although signal intensification was found for some compounds. The method permitted the detection of 28 targeted pollutants in the environmental samples. The mean sum of organic pollutants was 4.25 ± 4.83 ng/g in plasma, 1634 ± 2990 ng/g in liver, and 233 ± 111 ng/g in stomach oil (all wet weight). Pollutant profiles varied among the matrices, although 4,4'-DDE was the dominant compound overall. This method is useful for pollutant biomonitoring in seabirds and discusses the interest of analysing different matrices.

A review of food contamination with nitrated and oxygenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: toxicity, analysis, occurrence, and risk assessment

Prolonged exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their derivatives, particularly nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (NPAHs) and oxygenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OPAHs), can result in adverse health effects and may carry higher toxicity risks compared to PAHs alone. Various extraction methods have been utilized for PAHs derivatives from food samples. The analytes are then analyzed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography techniques. PAHs derivatives are increasingly being detected in the environment, prompting scrutiny from numerous researchers. Similarly, their presence in food is becoming a significant concern. The elevated levels of PAH derivatives found in smoked food may result in detrimental dietary exposure and pose potential health hazards. Furthermore, investigating the level of exposure to these contaminants in food is imperative, as their consumption by humans carries inherent risks. Consequently, this review concentrates on the toxicity, analysis, occurrence, and risk evaluation of NPAHs and OPAHs present in food sources.

Ultra-sensitive solid-phase Microextraction-Gas Chromatography-Mass spectrometry determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in snow samples using a deep cavity BenzoQxCavitand

A very sensitive and selective solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method based on the use of a deep cavity BenzoQxCavitand as innovative coating was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of the 16 US-EPA priority pollutants polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in snow samples at ultra-trace levels. The presence of a 8.3 Å deep hydrophobic cavity allowed the engulfment of all the 16 PAHs, providing enhanced selectivity also in presence of interfering aromatic pollutants at high concentration levels. Validation proved the reliability of the method for the determination of the investigated compounds achieving detection limits in the 0.03-0.30 ng/L range, good precision, with relative standard deviations <18% and recovery rates in the 90.8(±2.1)%-109.6(±1.0)%. The detection of low-molecular weight PAHs in snow samples from Antarctica and Alps confirms the widespread occurrence of these compounds, thus assessing the impact of anthropogenic activities onto the environment.

Integrated ultrasound-assisted magnetic solid-phase extraction for efficient determination and pre-concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from high-consumption soft drinks and non-alcoholic beers in Iran

In the present research, an ultrasound-assisted magnetic solid-phase extraction coupled with a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry hybrid system was developed for extraction/determination of trace amounts of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in high-consumption soft drinks and non-alcoholic beers in Iran using magnetite graphene oxide adsorbent. The magnetite graphene oxide was characterized by scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and vibrating-sample magnetometer techniques. The highest extraction recovery (73.05 to 95.56%) and enrichment factor (90.65 to 106.38) were obtained at adsorbent mass: 10 mg, adsorption time: 30 min, salt addition: sodium chloride 10% w/v, desorption time: 20 min, eluent type: hexane: acetone (1:1, v/v), and desorption solvent volumes: 200 μL. Under optimum conditions, the linearity range for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons determination was 0.2-200 ng mL^-1  with coefficient of determination> 0.993, limit of detection = 0.09-0.21 ng mL^-1 , limit of quantitation = 0.3-0.7 ng mL^-1 , and relative standard deviation < 8.1%, respectively. Relative recoveries in spiked real samples ranged from 94.67 to 109.45 % with standard deviation < 6.05%. The proposed method is effective, sensitive, reusable and it is promising for the analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons residues in environmental samples. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons using different extraction methods and HPLC-FLD detection in smoked and grilled meat products

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in meat products are formed, among others, as a by-product of thermal processing such as smoking or grilling. Due their highly toxic effects on the human organism, it is necessary to monitor PAH content in food products and develop appropriate analytical methods for their determination. The aim of this study was to compare PAH content in meat products subjected to smoking or grilling process. PAH content was determined using three different analytical methods, verified for efficiency using the external standard method. The results showed that smoking led to higher PAH contamination compared to grilling. Extraction by saponification and SPE method was the most effective for the detection and quantification of PAHs. The samples analyzed using this method showed the highest PAH content and recoveries. The results of the study showed a significant effect of the extraction method on the recovery levels and PAH content in meat.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in aquatic animals: a systematic review on analytical advances and challenges

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), the main component of petroleum, are a concern due to their environmental persistence, long-range transport, and potential toxic effects on animal, human health, and the environment. PAHs are considered persistent compounds and can be bioaccumulated in sediments and aquatic biota. Determining PAHs in animals and environmental samples consists of three steps: extraction, clean-up or purification, and analytical determination. The matrix complexity and the diversity of environmental contaminants, such as PAHs resulted in the development of numerous analytical techniques and protocols for the extraction of these components and analysis in several samples. This systematic review article seeks to relate the extraction and preparation methods of complex samples from aquatic animals and the two main detection techniques of PAHs. For the elaboration of the research, 67 articles published between 2011 and 2021 were sought, which specifically contemplated the isolation of aquatic extracts and detection and quantification techniques of PAHs.

In-syringe solid phase extraction and in-syringe vortex-assisted solidified floating organic drop microextraction of Sb(III) and Sb(V) in rice wines with determination by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

The current non-chromatographic speciation methods generally involve the conversion of different species by oxidation/reduction reactions, which may cause inherent problems such as contamination risk, time consumption and complex operations. In this work, in-syringe solid phase extraction (IS-SPE) was combined with in-syringe vortex-assisted solidified floating organic drop microextraction (IS-VA-SFODME) for the detection of Sb(V) and Sb(III) in rice wines by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Firstly, IS-SPE involved the use of ZnFe₂O₄ nanotubes as the sorbent for the isolation and enrichment of Sb(V) and removal of the matrix components such as ethanol, pigment, sugars and carbohydrates. Then, IS-VA-SFODME was used for enriching Sb(III) in the original sample solution after IS-SPE. This technique exhibited good anti-interference ability and high enrichment efficiency without tedious pre-oxidation/pre-reduction and centrifugation/filtration operations, which may cause the contamination of samples. Under the selected conditions, the detection limits were 4.5 ng L^-1 and 3.2 ng L^-1 for Sb(III) and Sb(V) with relative standard deviations of 7.3% and 5.1%, respectively. This procedure was used with satisfactory results for the detection of Sb(III) and Sb(V) in rice wine samples and a certified reference material of water sample. Recoveries of spiked experiments ranged from 91.0 to 107%.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon contamination in soils and sediments: Sustainable approaches for extraction and remediation

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are carcinogenic environmental pollutants that are extremely hydrophobic in nature and resistant to biological degradation. Extraction of PAHs from environmental matrices is the first and most crucial step in PAH quantification. Extraction followed by quantification is essential to understand the extent of contamination prior to the application of remediation approaches. Due to their non-polar structures, PAHs can be adsorbed tightly to the organic matter in soils and sediments, making them more difficult to be extracted. Extraction of PAHs can be achieved by a variety of methods. Techniques such as supercritical and subcritical fluid extraction, microwave-assisted solvent extraction, plant oil-assisted extraction and some microextraction techniques provide faster PAH extraction using less organic solvents, while providing a more environmentally friendly and safer process with minimum matrix interferences. More recently, more environmentally friendly methods for soil and sediment remediation have been explored. This often involves using natural chemicals, such as biosurfactants, to solubilize PAHs in contaminated soils and sediments to allow subsequent microbial degradation. Vermiremediation and microbial enzyme-mediated remediation are emerging approaches, which require further development. The following summarises the existing literature on traditional PAH extraction and bioremediation methods and contrasts them to newer, more environmentally friendly ways.

In-syringe dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction

Dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) has recently been widely used in the separation and preconcentration of various chemical species. Among the various approaches using DLLME are systems that use a syringe as an extraction environment. In this review, details of some methods that use this approach are presented. The ways to promote dispersion, analytical characteristics, and the advantages and disadvantages of the methods, among other aspects, are discussed critically. Finally, some trends in the use of in-syringe microextraction systems are described.

In-tube solid-phase microextraction: Current trends and future perspectives

In-tube solid-phase microextraction (IT-SPME) was developed about 24 years ago as an effective sample preparation technique using an open tubular capillary column as an extraction device. IT-SPME is useful for micro-concentration, automated sample cleanup, and rapid online analysis, and can be used to determine the analytes in complex matrices simple sample processing methods such as direct sample injection or filtration. IT-SPME is usually performed in combination with high-performance liquid chromatography using an online column switching technology, in which the entire process from sample preparation to separation to data analysis is automated using the autosampler. Furthermore, IT-SPME minimizes the use of harmful organic solvents and is simple and labor-saving, making it a sustainable and environmentally friendly green analytical technique. Various operating systems and new sorbent materials have been developed to improve its extraction efficiency by, for example, enhancing its sorption capacity and selectivity. In addition, IT-SPME methods have been widely applied in environmental analysis, food analysis and bioanalysis. This review describes the present state of IT-SPME technology and summarizes its current trends and future perspectives, including method development and strategies to improve extraction efficiency.