Multiscreening determination of organic pollutants in molluscs using matrix solid phase dispersion

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Food Safety

Background:

• Molluscs are susceptible to accumulating organic contaminants from aquatic environments.
• Accurate quantification of diverse pollutants is crucial for risk assessment and regulatory compliance.
• Existing methods for contaminant analysis in complex matrices like molluscs can be labor-intensive and require extensive sample preparation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize and validate a matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) method coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS and GC-MS/MS).
• To develop a sensitive and reliable analytical procedure for quantifying up to 40 priority and emerging organic contaminants in molluscs.
• To apply the validated method for the analysis of environmental samples from Colombia and Nicaragua.

Main Methods:

• Optimization of the MSPD procedure, focusing on the clean-up strategy using specific solid supports and elution solvents.
• Validation of the method using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS), assessing linearity, repeatability, reproducibility, and limits of detection.
• Accuracy evaluation through spiked samples, laboratory reference material, and standard reference material (SRM 2977).

Main Results:

• The optimized MSPD method achieved good recoveries and was validated for 40 analytes, including PAHs, PCBs, PBDEs, OCPs, OPPs, and musk fragrances.
• GC-MS/MS analysis demonstrated excellent linearity (r(2) > 0.980), acceptable repeatability (RSD < 17%), and low detection limits (0.010–2.74 ng mL⁻¹).
• The method was successfully applied to mollusc samples from Colombia and Nicaragua, detecting various contaminants at low ng g⁻¹ levels.

Conclusions:

• The developed MSPD-GC-MS/MS method offers an efficient and accurate approach for the simultaneous determination of a wide range of organic contaminants in molluscs.
• This validated technique provides a valuable tool for monitoring environmental pollution and ensuring the safety of seafood.
• The application of the method confirmed the presence of target contaminants in molluscs from the studied regions, highlighting the need for continued environmental surveillance.