•A wide variety of chemicals were identified in medical devices from pediatric ICU.•Predominant use of DEHP as plasticizer, followed by DEHA, DEHT and TOTM.•Devices containing TOTM also contained ...DEHP and DEHT.•Only a small fraction of samples contained unidentified compounds.
The present study aimed to identify plasticizers present in indwelling plastic medical devices commonly used in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). We have analyzed a wide range of medical devices (n = 97) daily used in the PICUs of two academic hospitals in Belgium and the Netherlands. Identified compounds varied between the samples. Most of the indwelling medical devices and essential accessories were found to actively leach phthalates and alternative plasticizers. Results indicated that DEHP was predominantly present as plasticizer (60 of 97 samples), followed by bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA, 32 of 97), bis(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (DEHT, 24 of 97), tris(2-ethylhexyl) trimellitate (TOTM, 20 of 97), and tributyl-O-acetyl citrate (ATBC, 10 of 97). Other plasticizers, such as di-isononyl-cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate (DINCH, 2 of 97), di-isononyl phthalate (DiNP, 4 of 97), di(2-propylheptyl) phthalate (DPHP, 4 of 97) and di-isodecyl phthalate (DiDP, 2 of 97) were detected in < 5% of the investigated samples. Several devices contained multiple plasticizers, e.g. devices containing TOTM contained also DEHP and DEHT. Our data indicate that PICU patients are exposed to a wide range of plasticizers, including the controversial DEHP. Future studies should investigate the exposure to APs in children staying in the PICU and the possible health effects thereof.
Since the European Commission prohibited the use of bisphenol A in the production of polycarbonate (PC) baby bottles, many other materials have replaced PC for the manufacture of this type of food ...contact materials. In the present study, the potential migration risks associated with these alternative materials were investigated. First, all substances were evaluated for endocrine disruptive (ED) activity by using different existing lists of (suspected) ED chemicals. Next, the potential non-ED risks were assessed. A distinction was made between migrants listed in Annex I of European Regulation 10/2011 and the unlisted substances (e.g. non-intentionally added substances). For the listed substances, concentrations in the migration solutions were compared to their respective specific migration limits (SML) (when applicable). Migration of all substances was shown to be below their SML. The unlisted substances were evaluated using toxicological information from previous evaluations, or if not available, by applying the Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC) approach. In case the estimated exposure to the unlisted substance exceeded the human exposure TTC value, a more indepth risk assessment was performed. Based on the results of both parts of the study, four baby bottles were considered of high concern because of the potential toxicity of migrating compounds.
•Investigation of potential health risks of migrants from PC replacement baby bottles.•Based on existing lists of EDs, 3 baby bottles were considered of high concern.•Based on the TTC approach, 2 baby bottles were considered of high concern.•After combining this information, 4 baby bottles were considered of high concern.
Mannosylerythritol lipids (MELs) are currently one of the most promising biosurfactants because of their multifunctional applications and good biodegradability. Depending on the yeast strain and the ...feedstock used for the fermentation process, structural variations in the MELs obtained occur. Therefore, MELs produced by
Pseudozyma aphidis
DSMZ 70725 with a soybean oil feedstock were characterized by chromatography and mass spectrometry (MS). Column chromatography with silica provided fractionation of the different types of MEL. High-performance liquid chromatography combined with MS was employed for the analysis of the MEL fractions and crude mixtures. A characteristic MS pattern for the MELs was obtained and indications of the presence of new MEL homologues, showing the incorporation of longer and more unsaturated fatty acid chains than previously reported, were given. Gas chromatography–MS analysis confirmed the presence of such unsaturated fatty acid chains in the MELs, demonstrating the incorporation of fatty acids with lengths ranging from C
8
to C
14
and with up to two unsaturations per chain. The incorporation of C
16
and C
18
fatty acid chains requires further investigation. MS/MS data allowed the unambiguous identification of the fatty acids present in the MELs. The product ion spectra also revealed the presence of a new isomeric class of MELs, bearing an acetyl group on the erythritol moiety.
In this article, a dataset from a collaborative non-target screening trial organised by the NORMAN Association is used to review the state-of-the-art and discuss future perspectives of non-target ...screening using high-resolution mass spectrometry in water analysis. A total of 18 institutes from 12 European countries analysed an extract of the same water sample collected from the River Danube with either one or both of liquid and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry detection. This article focuses mainly on the use of high resolution screening techniques with target, suspect, and non-target workflows to identify substances in environmental samples. Specific examples are given to emphasise major challenges including isobaric and co-eluting substances, dependence on target and suspect lists, formula assignment, the use of retention information, and the confidence of identification. Approaches and methods applicable to unit resolution data are also discussed. Although most substances were identified using high resolution data with target and suspect-screening approaches, some participants proposed tentative non-target identifications. This comprehensive dataset revealed that non-target analytical techniques are already substantially harmonised between the participants, but the data processing remains time-consuming. Although the objective of a “fully-automated identification workflow” remains elusive in the short term, important steps in this direction have been taken, exemplified by the growing popularity of suspect screening approaches. Major recommendations to improve non-target screening include better integration and connection of desired features into software packages, the exchange of target and suspect lists, and the contribution of more spectra from standard substances into (openly accessible) databases.
Graphical Abstract
Matrix of identification approach versus identification confidence
The feasibility of different extraction procedures was tested and compared for the determination of 12 organophosphorus and carbamates insecticides in honey samples. In this sense, once the samples ...were pre-treated – essentially dissolved in hot water by stirring – and before they could be analyzed by liquid chromatography–ion trap-second stage mass spectrometry (LC–MS
2), four different approaches were studied for the extraction step: QuEChERS, solid-phase extraction (SPE), pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) and solid-phase microextraction (SPME). The main aim of this work was to maximise the sensitivity of pesticides and to minimise the presence of interfering compounds in the extract. All pesticides were linear in the range from CC
β
to 1000× CC
β
for the four extraction methods (three orders of magnitude). Detection capabilities (CC
β
) were 0.024–1.155
mg
kg
−1 with QuEChERS, 0.010–0.646
mg
kg
−1 with SPE, 0.007–0.595
mg
kg
−1 with PLE, and 0.001–0.060
mg
kg
−1 with SPME. All the target compounds could be recovered by any of the methods, at a CC
β
fortification level ranged from 28 to 90% for the SPME. In comparison, the PLE method was the most efficient extraction method with recoveries from 82 to 104%. It was followed by the QuEChERS method with recoveries between 78 and 101% and the SPE method with recoveries between 72 and 100%. The repeatability expressed as relative standard deviation (RSDs) was below 20% for all the pesticides by any of the tested extraction methods. Results obtained applying the four extraction techniques to real honey samples are analogous.
The distribution of 17 pharmaceuticals between water and the solid phase (sediments and soils) was studied by utilizing solid-phase extraction (SPE) and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry ...(LC-MS/MS). Two extraction procedures for soils and sediments, prior to the SPE, one based on pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) with hot water and the other on methanol/water ultrasonic extraction, were compared. Absolute recoveries were 71.2–99.3% relative standard deviation (RSD) <21.4%) for water, and the method detection limits (MDLs) ranged from 0.3 to 10 ng L
−1
. Recoveries were 35.4–105.3% (RSDs <19.1%) and 42.1–97.8% (RSDs <14%) for soil and sediment samples, respectively, using PLE and 20.2–86.5% (RSDs <25.1%) and 30.3–97.4% (RSDs <19.1%) using ultrasonic extraction. Fifteen of the 17 pharmaceuticals were present in the L’Albufera water at concentrations up to 17 μg L
−1
. Oxytetracycline and tetracycline were not detected. In sediments, only tetracycline, norfloxacin and diclofenac were not found. The other studied pharmaceuticals were present in the range from less than the method quantification limit (MQL) to 35.83 ng g
−1
. Among the 17 target compounds, ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, trimethoprim, clofibric acid and diclofenac were not detected in soil samples. The average concentrations ranged from less than the MQL for ibuprofen to 34.91 ng g
−1
for tetracycline. These results indicate that pharmaceuticals could survive the wastewater treatment processes, which could lead to their dissemination in water environments.
In 2011, the European Union prohibited the production of polycarbonate (PC) baby bottles due to the toxic effects of the PC monomer bisphenol-A. Therefore, baby bottles made of alternative materials, ...e.g. polypropylene (PP) or polyethersulphone (PES), are currently marketed. The principal aim of the study was the identification of major compounds migrating from baby bottles using a liquid-liquid extraction followed by GC/MS analysis. A 50% EtOH in water solution was selected as a simulant for milk. After sterilisation of the bottle, three migration experiments were performed during 2 h at 70°C. A non-targeted liquid-liquid extraction with ethyl acetate-n-hexane (1:1) was performed on the simulant samples. Identification of migrants from 24 baby bottles was done using commercially available WILEY and NIST mass spectra libraries. Differences in the migrating compounds and their intensities were observed between the different types of plastics, but also between the same polymer from a different producer. Differences in the migration patterns were perceived as well between the sterilisation and the migrations and within the different migrations. Silicone, Tritan™ and PP exhibited a wide variety of migrating compounds, whereas PES and polyamide (PA) showed a lower amount of migrants, though sometimes in relatively large concentrations (azacyclotridecan-2-one up to 250 µg kg
−1
). Alkanes (especially in PP bottles), phthalates (dibutylphthalate in one PP bottle (±40 µg kg
−1
) and one silicone bottle (±25 µg kg
−1
); diisobutylphthalate in one PP (±10 µg kg
−1
), silicone (up to ±80 µg kg
−1
); and Tritan™ bottle (±30 µg kg
−1
)), antioxidants (Irgafos 168, degradation products of Irganox 1010 and Irganox 1076), etc. were detected for PP, silicone and Tritan™ bottles. Although the concentrations were relatively low, some compounds not authorised by European Union Regulation No. 10/2011, such as 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol (10-100 µg kg
−1
) or 2-butoxyethyl acetate (about 300 µg kg
−1
) were detected. Migrating chemicals were identified as confirmed (using a standard) or as tentative (further confirmation required).
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
BFBNIB, DOBA, GIS, IJS, IZUM, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
► First comparison of UHPLC–MS/MS and capillary LC–MS for the analysis of PFCs in water. ► UHPLC–MS/MS provides the best linearity and sensitivity and shortest analysis time. ► Capillary LC–MS ...attains the best precision and comparable sensitivity. ► UHPLC–MS/MS and capillary LC–MS possess a short running time. ► Both methods were successfully applied to real samples obtaining comparable results.
In this work, the performance of ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS) and capillary liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (CLC–MS) has been studied for the analysis of eighteen perfluorinated compounds in water samples. UHPLC–MS/MS and CLC–MS analysis were carried out using a Zorbax C-18 column (50mm×2.1mm, 1.8μm) and a Zorbax SB-C18 column (150mm×0.5mm, 3.5μm), respectively, in gradient elution mode with a mobile phase of ammonium formate and methanol. Both techniques were compared with conventional LC–MS/MS in terms of speed, sensitivity, selectivity and resolution. Water samples were extracted by solid phase extraction (SPE). Mean absolute recoveries at two concentration levels, 6 and 60ngL−1, calculated from the eighteen compounds were: 77±12(s) and 82±12(s), respectively. Relative standard deviation (RSD) was lower than 16% for each perfluorinated compound. The results obtained showed that UHPLC–MS/MS and CLC–MS allow the determination of perfluorinated compounds in water samples with satisfactory sensitivity and resolution and reduced analysis time. Therefore, both techniques were employed for the analysis of water samples to determine the target analytes at low concentration levels and with lower analysis times than using HPLC–MS/MS. Similar statistical values were obtained from both techniques at 95% confidence level. Several compounds have been detected, but perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) (171ngL−1 and 148ngL−1 by UHPLC–MS/MS and CLC–MS, respectively) showed the highest concentration.
After the prohibition of bisphenol-A-containing polycarbonate baby bottles in the European Union (EU), alternative materials, such as polypropylene, polyethersulphone, Tritan™ copolyester, etc., have ...appeared on the market. Based on an initial screening and in vitro toxicity assessment, the most toxic migrating compounds were selected to be monitored and quantified using validated GC- and LC-QqQ-MS methods. The effect of several 'real-life-use conditions', such as microwave, sterilisation and dishwasher, on the migration of different contaminants was evaluated by means of duration tests. These results were compared with a reference treatment (filling five times with pre-heated simulant at 40°C) and with the legal EU 'repetitive-use conditions' (three migrations, 2 h at 70°C). Analysis of the third migration step of the EU repetitive-use conditions (which has to comply with the EU legislative migration limits) showed that several non-authorised compounds were observed in some baby bottles exceeding 10 µg kg
−1
. However, all authorised compounds were detected well below their respective specific migration limits (SMLs). The reference experiment confirmed the migration of some of the compounds previously detected in the EU repetitive-use experiment, though at lower concentrations. Analysis of extracts from the microwave and dishwasher experiments showed a reduction in the migration during the duration tests. In general, the concentrations found were low and comparable with the reference experiment. Similar observations were made for the two sterilisation types: steam and cooking sterilisation. However, steam sterilisation seems to be more recommended for daily use of baby bottles, since it resulted in a lower release of substances afterwards. Repeated use of baby bottles under 'real-life' conditions showed no increase in the migration of investigated compounds and, after some time, the migration of these compounds even became negligible.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
BFBNIB, DOBA, GIS, IJS, IZUM, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
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