Simple method for determining phthalate diesters and their metabolites in seafood species using QuEChERS extraction and liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry

In this article we describe a new and simple analytical method based on the Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe technique followed by dispersive solid-phase extraction clean-up with C-18 and Lipifiltr (R) and LC-HAMS for simultaneously extracting six phthalate diesters and six of their metabolites (phthalate monoesters) from highly consumed seafood species. The method was validated for seafood with high and low lipid contents. Apparent recoveries were up to 79% for all compounds. Matrix effect values ranged from - 8 to - 48% for all compounds in both types of matrices. Method limits of detection were 1-25 ng g(-1) dry weight (d.w.) for most compounds. Five seafood species were analysed using this method, and several phthalate diesters and monoesters were successfully quantified. Phthalate diesters were found at concentrations of up to 982 ng g(-1) (d.w.) and phthalate monoesters were found at concentrations of up to 178 ng g(-1) (d.w.).

Automated summary

This article presents a new analytical method for simultaneously extracting multiple phthalate diesters and monoesters from highly consumed seafood, which has been validated for seafood with different lipid contents. The method showed high apparent recoveries and low matrix effect values for all compounds, with detection limits ranging from 1-25 ng g(-1) dry weight. Five seafood species were successfully analyzed using this method, revealing concentrations of phthalate diesters up to 982 ng g(-1) (d.w.) and phthalate monoesters up to 178 ng g(-1) (d.w.).