Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Analysis in Food - Using triple quadrupole GC/MS/MS: Consumables workflow ordering guide

Importance of the Topic

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons accumulate in fatty foods and pose significant health risks even at low concentrations. Regulatory bodies require sensitive and reliable analysis at low part-per-billion levels to ensure food safety.

Objectives and Study Overview

This guide outlines a complete workflow for PAH analysis in food matrices, covering sample preparation, chromatographic separation, mass spectrometric detection, and consumable recommendations.

Methodology

Sample cleanup uses Captiva EMR-Lipid filtration to remove lipids without analyte loss. Chromatographic separation of isomeric PAHs is achieved using specialized Agilent J W columns including DB-EUPAH, Select PAH, and DB-5ms UI. Injection protocols are optimized to prevent molecular weight discrimination by setting inlet temperatures between 300 and 320 C, using splitless liners, and pulsed splitless operation. Best practices include constant flow mode, retention gaps, backflushing, and continuous source cleaning with JetClean.

Used Instrumentation

• Agilent 7890 8890 8860 GC systems
• Agilent 7000 series triple quadrupole GC MS MS
• Agilent 5977 series GC MSD with JetClean
• Agilent Captiva EMR-Lipid cartridges
• Agilent J W DB-EUPAH Select PAH DB-5ms UI columns

Main Results and Discussion

EMR-Lipid effectively removes lipids to improve analyte recovery. Specialized columns achieve baseline separation of critical PAHs and impurities. Optimized injection and temperature conditions prevent discrimination of high molecular weight analytes. Workflow enhancements reduce carryover maintenance and cycle time while improving sensitivity and precision.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• High sensitivity detection of PAHs at ppb levels
• Robust lipid removal in fatty food matrices
• Accurate resolution of PAH isomers
• Comprehensive consumable and workflow guidance

Future Trends and Potential Applications

• Automated sample preparation and cleanup
• Advanced stationary phases for improved separation
• Integration with high resolution mass spectrometry
• Digital workflow and data analysis tools

Conclusion

This workflow guide provides analytical laboratories with proven strategies and instrument configurations to reliably quantify PAHs in complex food matrices below regulatory limits.

References

1. Honda M Suzuki N Toxicities of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons for aquatic animals Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020 17(4) 1363
2. U S Food and Drug Administration Protocol for Interpretation and Use of Sensory Testing and Analytical Chemistry Results for Re opening Oil Impacted Areas Closed to Seafood Harvesting Due to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill 2010
3. European Commission Regulation EU 836 2011 Official Journal of the European Union 2011 215 9
4. European Commission Regulation EU No 835 2011 Official Journal of the European Union 2011 215 4