A reliable analytical approach based on gas chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole and time-of-flight mass analyzers for the determination and confirmation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in complex matrices from aquaculture activities.

The potential of gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (GC/MS/MS) with a triple quadrupole analyzer (QqQ) has been investigated for the quantification and reliable identification of sixteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from the EPA priority list in animal and vegetable samples from aquaculture activities, whose fat content ranged from 5 to 100%. Matrices analyzed included fish fillet, fish feed, fish oil and linseed oil. Combining optimized saponification and solid-phase extraction led to high efficiency in the elimination of interfering compounds, mainly fat, from the extracts.