Determination and risk assessment of perfluorinated alkylated substances (PFASs) in pork liver from mainland, China

Animal-origin food has been suggested as the main dietary source of perfluorinated alkylated substances (PFASs) for humans, and pork liver is a major contributor. The nationwide survey data of PFASs from pork liver in China was limited. This study determined 17 PFASs in pork liver samples from 30 regions including different provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities, using traditional high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). The average detection rate of PFASs (>= the limit of detection, LOD) in pork liver samples throughout China reached 97.4%, with sigma PFASs of 1.80 mu g/kg. Both in areas with well-developed manufacturing industries and in non-production areas of perfluorinated compounds, PFASs were widely detectable in pork liver samples, especially for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulphonate (PFOS). The detection rates of PFOA and PFOS (>= LOD) were 77.0% and 86.1%, with contents of 0.160 mu g/kg and 0.397 mu g/kg. The risk assessments of PFOA and PFOS from pork liver for different populations demonstrated the necessity for continuous exposure monitoring and risk investigation of PFASs. This work accomplished systematic and nationwide determination data of PFASs in pork liver, and provides a valuable reference for contamination monitoring and risk assessment of PFASs from animal origin food.

Automated summary

The study found widespread presence of various PFASs in pork liver samples across China, especially PFOA and PFOS. Risk assessments of PFOA and PFOS in pork liver for different populations highlighted the need for continuous exposure monitoring and risk investigations.