Integration of 103 Semivolatile Organic Compounds into One Multianalyte Method for Human Serum Analysis: An Innovative Approach within Exposure Assessment

Semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) are frequently detected in the environment, and humans are exposed to a mixture of chemicals via multiple exposure pathways. However, there are few data on health outcomes caused by the cumulative exposure or toxicological interactions, due to the absence of simultaneous analytical methods. Herein, we present a method for simultaneous determination of 103 SVOCs, including seven phthalate esters, seven polychlorinated biphenyls, 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, five polybromodiphenyl ethers, and 68 pesticides, in 0.5 mL of serum. The two-step extraction coupled with gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was described with a single chromatographic run within 36.65 min. Methodological parameters such as recovery rates, matrix effects, and limits of detection were studied and complied with the validation guidelines. The absolute and relative recoveries ranged from 65.45% to 123.83%, and the relative standard deviations were <= 21.43%. The detection limits were <0.41 mu g L-1. This method was then successfully applied to the analysis of 99 real serum samples. The developed protocol achieved a limit of quantification at a level of parts per billion for all compounds and presented benefits for the control of confounding factors, cumulative exposure, and risk assessment in population studies.

Automated summary

This study presents a method for the simultaneous determination of 103 SVOCs within a single chromatographic run lasting 36.65 minutes. The developed protocol showed good recovery rates and stability, and was successfully applied to the analysis of real serum samples.