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

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 10-1000pg/L (PAHs) and 2-500pg/L (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 +/- 1.10ng/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.