Qualitative analysis of halogenated organic contaminants in American eel by gas chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry.
Target compound analysis with scanning mass spectrometers such as quadrupole or magnetic sector instruments is used extensively in environmental chemistry because of the selectivity, sensitivity, and robustness. Yet, target compound analysis selectively ignores the majority of compounds present in a sample, especially in complex matrices like fish. In this study, time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used to screen for and identify halogenated compounds in American eels (Anguilla rostrata). Individual and then pooled eel samples were analysed using electron ionization and electron capture negative ionization (ECNI) modes. Eels were differentiated by principal component analysis of chemical profiles and were grouped corresponding to their capture location, all with a single instrument injection per sample. Bromine containing compounds were further investigated by taking advantage of the selectivity of ECNI by utilizing the Br(-) ion m/z 79 and 81. A total of 51 brominated compounds were detected and their identities were attempted by authentic standards, library searching, and/or chemical formula prediction based on accurate mass measurements. Several PBDEs were identified in the samples, and the majority of the non-PBDEs identified were bromophenols, bromoanisoles, and bromobenzenes. These classes of compounds are synthesized for use in flame retardant production either as intermediates or as final products. However, their occurrence in eels was most likely the result of metabolism or break-down products of high production volume flame retardants like polybrominated diphenyl ethers and bromophenoxy compounds.
Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment Canada, Burlington L7R 4A6, Canada; Department of Chemistry, Queen's University, Kingston K7L 3N6, Canada.
Jonathan D
JD
Byer
Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment Canada, Burlington L7R 4A6, Canada.
Grazina
G
Pacepavicius
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Mont-Joli G5H 3Z4, Canada.
Michel
M
Lebeuf
Department of Chemistry, Queen's University, Kingston K7L 3N6, Canada.
R Stephen
RS
Brown
Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment Canada, Burlington L7R 4A6, Canada.
Sean
S
Backus
Department of Biology and School of Environmental Studies, Queen's University, Kingston K7L 3N6, Canada.
Peter V
PV
Hodson
Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment Canada, Burlington L7R 4A6, Canada. Electronic address: Mehran.Alaee@ec.gc.ca.
Mehran
M
Alaee
D000811:Anguilla; D000818:Animals; D000840:Anisoles / Q000032:analysis*; D001969:Bromobenzenes / Q000032:analysis*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D005411:Flame Retardants / Q000032:analysis; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods; D055768:Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers / Q000032:analysis*; D010636:Phenols / Q000032:analysis*; D025341:Principal Component Analysis; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis*
D000840:Anisoles; D001969:Bromobenzenes; D005411:Flame Retardants; D055768:Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; D010636:Phenols; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical
American eel; Brominated flame retardants; Non-target analysis; Post-target analysis; Qualitative analysis; Time-of-flight mass spectrometry