[Isotopic dilution HPLC/MS/MS urinary trans, trans-muconic quantitative analysis among refinery workers]

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Analytical Chemistry
• Toxicology

Context:

• Occupational benzene exposure is a significant health concern.
• Trans, trans muconic acid (t,t-MA) is a validated biomarker for benzene exposure.
• Existing analytical methods for t,t-MA often face challenges with matrix effects and interferences.

Purpose:

• To present a validated HPLC/MS/MS method for the quantitative analysis of t,t-MA in human urine.
• To address interferences from urine matrix effects and isobaric ions during analysis.
• To evaluate the method's ability to discriminate benzene exposure levels in refinery workers.

Summary:

• An HPLC/MS/MS method was developed and validated for quantifying t,t-MA in urine using a deuterium-labeled internal standard.
• The method successfully identified and mitigated interferences from urine matrix effects and isobaric ions.
• Mean t,t-MA levels varied significantly across groups based on smoking status and occupational benzene exposure, with values ranging from 47.37 to 149.08 microg/g creatinine.

Impact:

• This validated analytical method enables precise discrimination of benzene exposure levels from occupational, environmental, and smoking sources.
• The findings contribute to improved biomonitoring strategies for benzene exposure in occupational and general populations.
• Accurate t,t-MA measurement supports risk assessment and the implementation of targeted exposure reduction measures.