Assessing Matrix Solid-Phase Dispersion Extraction Strategies for Determining Bisphenols and Phthalates in Gilthead...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Marine Biology

Background:

• Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are pervasive environmental contaminants.
• Toxic additives can leach from MPs/NPs, posing risks through the food chain.
• Marine organisms ingest plastic debris, accumulating these harmful substances.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a straightforward analytical method for detecting specific bisphenols and phthalates in gilthead seabream.
• To quantify six target compounds: BPA, BPS, BPF, DBP, DEP, and DHEP.

Main Methods:

• Development of a solid-liquid extraction and matrix solid-phase dispersion clean-up procedure.
• Utilized high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) for detection and quantification.
• Optimized extraction and detection parameters for enhanced sensitivity and accuracy.

Main Results:

• The developed HPLC-MS method demonstrated excellent linearity (R² > 0.993) for all target compounds.
• Achieved high recovery rates (70-92%) with good reproducibility (inter-day RSD < 9%) and repeatability (intra-day RSD < 10%).
• Low limits of detection (0.11-0.68 µg/kg) and quantification (0.37-2.28 µg/kg) were established.

Conclusions:

• A novel, efficient, and validated extraction methodology was successfully established for determining BPA, BPS, BPF, DBP, DEP, and DHEP in gilthead seabream.
• The method provides a reliable tool for monitoring these endocrine-disrupting chemicals in marine food sources.
• This contributes to assessing the potential human health risks associated with consuming contaminated seafood.