Development and validation of a new method for the simultaneous determination of PAHs and NDL-PCBs in fish by GC-SQ-MS

A new method for the simultaneous determination of PAHs and NDL-PCBs in fish and fish products was developed and validated using a GC-SQ-MS system. The efficacy of different solvents for a quantitative extraction was studied, as was the efficacy of different sorbents for sample clean up. The developed method, which includes extraction by DCM and sample clean up by SPE using Isolute (R) SI cartridges, was statistically validated at two concentration levels by assessing: accuracy, precision, limit of quantification, limit of detection and matrix effect. The method was used for analysing fresh, frozen and smoked fish products from the Greek retail market. None of the samples examined showed results above the maximum limits set by EU regulations.

Automated summary

A new method using GC-SQ-MS system was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of PAHs and NDL-PCBs in fish and fish products. Different solvents and sorbents were studied for efficient extraction and clean up of samples. The method was statistically validated and used for analyzing fish products from the Greek retail market, with none of the samples exceeding the maximum limits set by EU regulations.