The enhanced separation power and identification capabilities make comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC × GC - ToF MS) a valuable instrumental alternative for non-target analysis (NTA). In the present study, GC × GC - ToF MS has been used for the NTA of chlorine- and bromine-containing compounds in composite livers of two scarcely investigated Mediterranean deep-sea fish species, hollowsnout grenadier (Coelorinchus caelorhincus) and roughsnout grenadier (Trachyrhinchus trachyrhinchus). Attention focused on the identification of organohalogenated compounds with structural characteristics similar to those of persistent organic pollutants (POPs).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe present work describes a simultaneous mixed-mode high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method combined with a universal and non-selective-response detector for the complete ethoxymer profiling of alcohol ethoxy sulphate mixtures. The optimized HPLC methodology combines the dual hydrophilic (HILIC) and reversed-phase selectivity of a surfactant-type column in order to render a comprehensive and simultaneous separation of more than 50 endogenous ethoxymers in a single analysis. Furthermore, an accurate quantitation of every single analyte was achieved using a final universal charged aerosol detector (CAD) including specific mathematical processing tools.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPassive samplers are useful tools for monitoring hydrophobic, persistent, and potentially bioaccumulative contaminants in the environment. In this study, low density polyethylene passive samplers were deployed in urban-influenced and background nearshore freshwaters of northwestern Lake Ontario and analyzed for a broad range of both legacy halogenated organic contaminants (HOCs) and halogenated flame retardants (HFRs). Non-targeted analysis was conducted for screening additional halogenated substances.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDegradation products of the chlorinated additive flame retardant Dechlorane Plus (DP) have been discovered globally. However, the identity of many of these species remains unknown due to a lack of available analytical standards, hindering the ability to quantitatively measure the amounts of these compounds in the environment. In the present study, synthetic routes to possible dechlorinated DP derivatives were investigated in an effort to identify the environmentally significant degradation products.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFChemical pollution is hypothesized to be one of the factors driving the strong decline of the critically endangered European eel population. Specifically, the impact of contaminants on the quality of spawning eels and subsequent embryo survival and development has been discussed as crucial investigation point. However, so far, only very limited information on potential negative effects of contaminants on the reproduction of eels is available.
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