Validation of a simultaneous method for determining polycyclic aromatic compounds and alkylated isomers in biota

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Inc

E-ISSN: 1097-0231|32|3|277-287

ISSN: 0951-4198

Source: RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY, Vol.32, Iss.3, 2018-02, pp. : 277-287

Disclaimer: Any content in publications that violate the sovereignty, the constitution or regulations of the PRC is not accepted or approved by CNPIEC.

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Abstract

RationaleThere is a need for a validated method to improve detection limits and simultaneously quantify polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs, both parent and alkylated homologues) in biota by gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry because of their environmental significance. The validation of the method was performed in accordance to the Eurachem Guide to Quality in Analytical Chemistry.
MethodsGas chromatography coupled with a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer used in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode was used for detection and quantification. Retention time windows and selective MRM ion transitions were optimized for a suite of PACs. The developed method was validated by comparing our measurements made on a reference material of freeze‐dried mussel tissue (Mytilus edulis) with the certified values.
ResultsLinearity was observed between 10–1000 pg/μL (PAHs) and 2‐500 pg/μL (alkyl‐PACs including S‐based PACs). The overall mean (±SD) for the limits of detection of 43 PACs studied were 0.305 ± 0.276 and 2.69 ± 1.10 ng/g, respectively. For the 14 certified target analytes, the percent relative error ranged from 1.3 to 33%. With the exception of benzo(a)pyrene, the between‐day and within‐day repeatability for all target analytes was lower than 15% RSD.
ConclusionsThis is the first report of a fully validated method to simultaneously quantify PACs in biota performed in an ISO accredited laboratory.

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