Agilent Solutions for Analyzing Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Seafood

Importance of the Topic

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are environmental contaminants with significant health concerns due to their carcinogenic and mutagenic properties. Monitoring PAH levels in seafood is critical for consumer safety, regulatory compliance, and environmental assessment. Analytical methods that streamline sample preparation, reduce analysis time, and maintain or improve sensitivity are in high demand to support routine testing in food safety laboratories.

Objectives and Study Overview

This work evaluates Agilent’s integrated solutions for rapid and reliable determination of PAHs in seafood. It contrasts the traditional NOAA GPC + GC/MS protocol with simplified workflows combining QuEChERS extraction and modern chromatographic detection (GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or HPLC with fluorescence). The aim is to demonstrate performance gains in throughput, solvent consumption, and sensitivity while ensuring regulatory-grade data quality.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Sample preparation is based on the QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, Safe) approach:

• Weigh 3 g seafood matrix, add water and acetonitrile with 1 % acetic acid.
• Shake, centrifuge, then perform dispersive-solid phase extraction (d-SPE) clean-up for fatty samples.
• Filter the extract and transfer to vials for analysis.

Chromatographic detection platforms include:

• Gas chromatography with backflush technology coupled to single-quadrupole MS or triple-quadrupole MS/MS (dynamic MRM).
• High-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet or fluorescence detection.

Key Results and Discussion

Compared to the traditional GPC + GC/MS method, QuEChERS sample preparation achieved a 25–50 % reduction in processing time and cut solvent usage to 10–15 mL per sample without chlorinated solvents. GC/MS analyses with backflush reduced cycle times, minimized carryover, and extended column life. GC/MS/MS in MRM mode delivered low-ppb detection limits (e.g., benzo[k]fluoranthene at 3.2 ppb) and selective quantification in complex seafood matrices. HPLC with fluorescence proved valuable for high-throughput screening of PAH profiles prior to confirmatory MS analysis.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The combined QuEChERS and advanced detection workflows offer:

• Streamlined sample preparation requiring minimal operator expertise.
• Faster turnaround enabling higher daily sample throughput.
• Reduced solvent costs and environmental impact.
• Enhanced sensitivity and specificity meeting regulatory requirements.
• Flexibility to screen or confirm PAHs using GC or LC platforms.

Instrumentation

The study utilized Agilent instrumentation:

• GC systems featuring Capillary Flow Technology for retention-time locking and automated backflush.
• Single-quadrupole MS and triple-quadrupole MS/MS detectors optimized for PAH analysis.
• HPLC systems equipped with fluorescence detectors for rapid screening.

Future Trends and Applications

Emerging directions include full automation of QuEChERS workflows, integration of high-resolution mass spectrometry for non-target screening of contaminants alongside PAHs, and expansion into other complex food and environmental matrices. Advances in miniaturized sample prep and microflow chromatography may further reduce solvent use and boost laboratory sustainability.

Conclusion

Agilent’s combination of QuEChERS extraction and modern chromatographic technologies offers a robust, scalable solution for PAH analysis in seafood. Laboratories can achieve significant productivity gains, maintain stringent data quality, and adapt quickly to evolving regulatory demands.

References

• NOAA NMFS-NWFSC-59, 2004: GPC + GC/MS method for PAHs in seafood.
• US Food Emergency Response Network: Application of QuEChERS and HPLC/Fluorescence for PAH screening.