Statistical quality control of PCDD/PCDF analysis using a total measuring data set

 A random error and accuracy estimation approach for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD) and dibenzofurans (PCDF) analysis is presented based on statistical treatment of all the data set registered in a run or in a bunch of uniform runs. Received: 18 August 1998 / Accepted: 21 October 1998     

A polymeric liquid crystal capillary column for GC-MS analysis of PCDD and PCDF

A newly developed side chain liquid crystal polysiloxane has been investigated as a stationary phase for the isomer-specific analysis of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans substituted at positions 2, 3, 7, and 8. The retention times from the chromatograms of a standard solution containing all PCDD and PCDF isomers were compared with those from solutions containing only those tetra- to octa-chlorinated compounds substituted at positions 2, 3, 7, and 8. In general, PCDDs substituted at positions 2, 3, 7, and 8 eluted later than most other isomers of the same congener group. The separations obtained on this stationary phase were compared with those obtained elsewhere using a commercially available product.     

A study of trace element contamination in river sediments in Serbia using microwave-assisted aqua regia digestion and multivariate statistical analysis

The aim of this study was the evaluation of the trace element contamination level in sediments of the most important rivers in Serbia and their tributaries. The determination of the aqua regia soluble contents of 12 micro- and macro-elements (Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Ni, Zn, Be and V) in sediments was developed by the microwave digestion technique combined with inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Correlation analysis and principal component analysis distinguishes factors of lithogenic and anthropogenic origins. The Fe, Mn, Be and V contents are controlled by a regional lithogenic high background factor, while Cd, Cr, Pb, Ni, Zn and Cu are recognized as tracer of pollution. For Co, mixed sources from both lithogenic and anthropogenic inputs were evidenced.The investigated sediment of the major rivers and their tributaries in Serbia showed high concentrations of metals, especially of Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn, which may cause serious environmental impacts. Rivers which flow into the Danube from its entrance into Serbia significantly influence the chemical load of the water and sediments.The experimental study was conducted using two BCR standard reference materials. The calculated accuracy and precision confirmed the good performance of the adopted procedures.     

PCDD, PCDF, AND DL-PCB analysis in food: performance evaluation of the high-resolution gas chromatography/low-resolution tandem mass spectrometry technique using consensus-based samples

Due to safety concerns regarding dietary exposure to POPs, regulatory bodies are issuing detailed guidelines for testing for polychlorodibenzodioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorodibenzofurans (PCDFs) ('dioxins') and dioxin‐like (DL)‐PCBs in foods of animal origin. Determination of the aforesaid chemicals at regulatory levels requires highly selective and sensitive testing techniques. The new generation of low‐resolution mass spectrometers (triple quadrupoles) allows very low levels of quantification to be reached (in the order of tens of femtograms), thus suggesting a potential for their application in food and feed analysis. The performance of the low‐resolution tandem mass spectrometry (LRMS/MS) approach with triple quadrupoles was assessed on a qualified set of food samples from proficiency tests (PTs) and defense analysis. Accuracy was tested comparing the results with data from high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) and with consensus values from PTs. The cumulative TEQ results were characterized by deviations not exceeding 15% of PCDD + PCDF, DL‐PCB, and PCDD + PCDF + DL‐PCB (TEQ_TOT) reference consensus values (sample TEQ_TOT range, 2.29–25.1 pgWHO‐TEQ₉₇/g fat). Congener analytical variabilities did not influence significantly the WHO‐TEQ₉₇ outcome of the corresponding sample. This preliminary performance evaluation highlights the potential of LRMS/MS as a routine technique for quantitative analysis of PCDDs, PCDFs, and DL‐PCBs in food. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Evaluation of an automated clean-up system for the isotope-dilution high-resolution mass spectrometric analysis of PCB, PCDD, and PCDF in food

An automated clean-up system was evaluated for the simultaneous analysis of polychiorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD), dibenzofurans (PCDF), and biphenyls (PCB) in different foods. In addition to the seventeen 2,3,7,8-substituted PCDDIPCDF and four non-ortho PCB, by use of the clean-up system studied, it was possible to collect the eight mono-ortho and two di-ortho PCB and the seven indicator PCB in two separate fractions during the same clean-up run. The study was first performed using standard mixtures containing PCDD, PCDF and PCB, and a certified reference material. The recoveries of the 13C-labeled compounds ranged from 51 to 90%, indicating that the PCDD, PCDF, and PCB clean-up worked satisfactorily. Next, the automated system for PCDD, PCDF, and PCB analysis was evaluated for foods such as milk, egg, meat (beef, chicken, and pork), mussel, and olive oil. The recoveries of the 13C-labeled compounds ranged from 40 to 120% for PCB and from 57 to 113% for PCDD/ PCDF, meeting the requirements of well accepted methods. Thus, the automated clean-up system studied is a suitable alternative to conventional clean-up methods.     

Chemical profile and difference analysis of four parts of Strobilanthes sarcorrhiza by ultrafast flow liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry and multivariate statistical analysis

Strobilanthes sarcorrhiza (CTS) is a medicinal plant with various pharmacological effects such as tonifying kidney and anti-inflammatory. However, the chemical composition and difference of its four parts (leaves, stems, rhizomes, and root tubers) have been rarely reported. In this study, ultrafast flow liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight MS was applied to analyze the chemical profile of CTS and identify 55 compounds, including terpenoids, phenylethanol glycosides, fatty acid derivatives, chain glycosides, flavonoid glycosides, and others. Among these compounds, 34 compounds were first identified in CTS. They were mainly terpenoids, phenylethanol glycosides, fatty acid derivatives, and so forth. Multivariate statistical analysis, such as principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis were also used to evaluate the difference in chemical compounds from the four parts of CTS. The results showed that phenylethanol glycosides were the main compounds of the underground parts, while terpenoids were the main compounds of the aboveground parts. This study revealed the chemical diversity and similarity of CTS and suggested that the rhizomes could be used as an alternative medicinal part to improve the resource utilization of CTS.     

PVC化学链燃烧过程中二噁英生成研究

制备了负载硅溶胶的CaSO₄载氧体,并对其与CH₄、CO和H₂的反应特性进行了研究表征。采用管式炉实验系统,对PVC在基于CaSO₄载氧体的化学链燃烧和空气燃烧两种方式下,二噁英的生成特性进行了实验研究。结果表明,负载了硅溶胶的CaSO₄载氧体与CH₄、CO和H₂反应均接近完全转化,其中,与CH₄和H₂的反应时间显著短于CO。采用化学链燃烧方式可有效抑制PVC燃烧过程二噁英的生成,其生成量和毒性当量分别由空气燃烧中的34 172.5 pg/g及732.8 pg(I-TEQ)/g降到化学链燃烧的2 270.9 pg/g及290.2 pg(I-TEQ)/g,这主要是因为化学链燃烧过程中燃料与O₂不直接接触,显著减少了大分子碳结构的氧化断裂以及HCl向Cl₂的转化,从而抑制了二噁英的低温从头合成反应和前驱物生成反应。     

大气样品中氯代和溴代二噁英/呋喃同位素稀释分析方法的建立及应用

本研究结合已有的多氯代二噁英/呋喃(PCDD/Fs)分析方法,建立了多溴代二噁英/呋喃(PBDD/Fs)和PCDD/Fs的同位素稀释高分辨气相色谱-质谱联用(HRGC-HRMS)分析方法。样品抽提液经酸性硅胶床、多段硅胶柱、Florisil柱净化后,分别对其中8种2,3,7,8-PBDD/Fs和17种2,3,7,8-PCDD/Fs进行测定。PBDD/Fs仪器分析条件:EI 模式,选择性离子监测,分辨率10000以上,电子发射能50 eV,灯丝电流0.75 mA;DB-5 MS柱(60 m×0.25 mm i.d.,0.25μm);进样口、离子源及传输线温度分别为250℃、250℃和305℃;载气,He(1.0 mL/min)。结果表明:平行标准样品分析相对标准偏差(RSD)≤10.3%;PBDD/Fs和PCDD/Fs回收率在73%~112%之间;标准参考样品测定平均值与标准值基本符合,平行样RSD≤12.0%。方法检出限:TBDF,0.25 pg/μL;TBDD,0.3 pg/μL;PeBDFs,0.5 pg/μL;PeBDDs,1.0 pg/μL;HxBDD/Fs,1.5 pg/μL;TCDD/Fs,0.5 pg/μL;PeCDD/Fs和HxCDD/Fs,2.5 pg/μL;HpCDD/Fs以及OCDD/Fs,5 pg/μL。测定某地区大气样品颗粒相中PBDD/Fs和PCDD/Fs浓度分别在1.01~2.43 pg/m3和6.19~10.8 pg/m3之间;气相中的浓度为0.036~0.801 pg/m3和1.37~12.1 pg/m3。     

HPLC-ESI-MS analysis of Vitamin B12 in food products and in multivitamins-multimineral tablets

Methods for the determination of Vitamin B₁₂ remain limited due to their low sensitivity and poor selectivity. In the present work, a simple and sensitive HPLC-ESI-MS method for determining Vitamin B₁₂ in food products and in multivitamin-multimineral tablets was developed. Vitamin B₁₂ was extracted from food products with 50 mM sodium acetate buffer (pH 4.0) in the presence of sodium cyanide. Total Vitamin B₁₂ content in food product can be obtained by efficient enzymatic hydrolysis to release the bound Vitamin B₁₂. Vitamin B₁₂ was quantified with ginsenoside Re as internal standard (I.S.) after their separations on a C₁₈ column with a gradient of mobile phase made of water and acetonitrile. MS with SIR mode at m/z 930.8 was used for Vitamin B₁₂ quantification. The calibration graphs plotted with five concentrations of Vitamin B₁₂ was linear with a regression coefficient r² = 0.9994. The intra-assay R.S.D. and the inter-assay R.S.D. were 2.6% (n = 5) and 3.5% (n = 6), respectively. The recoveries evaluated at spiking three different concentrations on fortified products were above 93%. The method has been applied successfully in the determination of Vitamin B₁₂ in fortified food products and multivitamin-multimineral tablets.     

Spectroscopic quantifiication of preservatives in different food matrices using QuEChERS extraction and multivariate calibration with comparison against liquid chromatography

The application of QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe) extraction procedure has recently received significant attention, particularly for quantifying food additives in complex food matrices. A reliable analytical method based on QuEChERS extraction, UV spectroscopic measurement at 200–320 nm and partial least square regression PLS1 was outlined to determine two classes of preservatives in different processed food products. Examined additives were sodium benzoate SB, potassium sorbate PS, propylparaben PP, and methylparaben MP which showed highly overlapping UV spectra. The method indicated high detection of preservatives down to 1.1–2.4 mg/kg, recoveries between 97 and 102%, and RSD ≤ 7.0%. The efficient extraction of preservatives by QuEChERS from real matrices has improved the snentivity of spectral measurement and the detection of the analytical procedure. Methylparaben, MP, was detected in most samples with levels of 24.5, 74.3 and 393.7 mg/kg in liquid drinks, corn flakes, and soya sauce, respectively. The levels of preservatives were found to be within the regulated limits in all tested items. The outlined QuEChERS along with PLS1 calibration of spectroscopic data is proved to be a suitable alternative for liquid chromatography to monitor different types of preservatives in complex food matrices. The validity of the proposed method was checked against standard liquid chromatography.     

Desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry in the analysis of chemical food contaminants in food

Since its introduction, desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) mass spectrometry (MS) has been mainly applied in pharmaceutical and forensic analysis. We expect that DESI will find its way in many different fields, including food analysis. In this review, we summarize DESI developments aimed at controlling chemical contaminants in food. Data are given for analysis of pesticides, natural toxins, veterinary drugs, food additives, adulteration, packaging migrants, and for applications of food forensics.We discuss practical aspects of DESI, including its strengths and weaknesses, highlighting specific features of performing chemical reactions during the desorption/ionization process in order to enhance sensitivity and selectivity.Finally, we discuss the position of DESI with respect to current food-analysis regulation and legislation. We envisage that DESI can be a rapid, qualitative or semi-quantitative, screening tool, ultimately being applied on site prior to sampling and transport of samples to food-control laboratories.     

Differentiation of betamethasone and dexamethasone using liquid chromatography/positive electrospray tandem mass spectrometry and multivariate statistical analysis

Betamethasone and dexamethasone are two corticosteroids differing in the stereoisomery of their C-16 methyl group. These two compounds are imperfectly separated by reversed-phase liquid chromatography and their mass spectra are very similar, leading to a difficult unambiguous identification according to European criteria. A method is proposed for differentiating betamethasone and dexamethasone using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry and multivariate statistical analysis. Multiple analysis of variance was used for the justification and the selection of diagnostic ions. Principal component analysis permitted the suitability of the approach to be tested on a large number of samples. Discriminant factorial analysis was finally performed to build a decisional model based on the six most significant ions. This novel utilization of mass spectrometric data appeared efficient for the unambiguous identification of the target analytes in urine samples.     

Determination of food emulsifiers in commercial additives and food products by liquid chromatography/atmospheric-pressure chemical ionisation mass spectrometry

A new, reliable liquid chromatography/atmospheric-pressure chemical ionisation mass spectrometry (LC–APCI-MS) method was developed for the quantitative determination of food emulsifiers composed of mono- and diacylglycerols of fatty acids (E471 series) in complex food matrices. These additives are extremely interesting for the food industry because of their useful properties. Indeed, they improve the manufacture of products by acting as foams and creams stabilisers, crumb-softeners, or antistaling agents. The proposed method also allows us to qualitatively characterise new food emulsifiers composed of other acid esters of mono- and diacylglycerols (E472 series). The validation of the method was performed on blank minicake spiked samples for detection limits (reaching ppm levels), linearity, recovery, precision, and accuracy. The method was then successfully applied to commercial additives containing mixtures of emulsifiers, as well as to food products such as margarines and minicakes.     

Quantification of PCDD/Fs and dioxin-like PCBs in small amounts of human serum using the sensitive H1L7.5c1 mouse hepatoma cell line: optimization and analysis of human serum samples from adolescents of the Flemish human biomonitoring program FLEHS II

Since the CALUX (Chemically Activated LUciferase gene eXpression) bioassay is a fast and inexpensive tool for the throughput analysis of dioxin-like compounds in a large number of samples and requires only small sample volumes, the use of this technique in human biomonitoring programs provides a good alternative to GC-HRMS. In this study, a method for the separate analysis of PCDD/Fs and dioxin-like PCBs (dl-PCBs) in human serum with the new sensitive H1L7.5c1 mouse hepatoma cell line was optimized.Sample dilution factors of 5 and 2.4 were selected for routine analysis of respectively the PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs. The validation studies showed that repeatability and within-lab reproducibility for the quality control (QC) standard were within the in-house criteria. A long-term within-lab reproducibility of 25% for the PCDD/F fraction and 41% for the dl-PCB fraction for the analysis of pooled serum samples, expressed as pg BEQ/g fat, was determined. CALUX recoveries of the spiked procedural blanks were within the acceptable in-house limits of 80-120% for both fractions and the LOQ was 30.3 pg BEQ/g fat for the PCDD/Fs and 14.5 pg BEQ/g fat for the dl-PCBs. The GC-HRMS recovery of a C13-spiked pooled serum sample was between 60 and 90% for all PCDD/F congeners and between 67 and 82% for the non-ortho PCBs. An adequate separation between both fractions was found. The CALUX/GC-HRMS ratio for a pooled serum sample was respectively 2.0 and 1.4 for the PCDD/Fs and the dl-PCBs, indicating the presence of additional AhR active compounds. As expected, a correlation was found between human serum samples analyzed with both the new H1L7.5c1 cell line and the more established H1L6.1c3 cell line. The geometric mean CALUX-BEQ values, reported for the adolescents of the second Flemish Environment and Health Study (FLEHS II) recruited in 2009-2010, were 108 (95% CI: 101-114) pg CALUX-BEQ/g fat for the PCDD/Fs and 32.1 (30.1-34.2) pg CALUX-BEQ/g fat for the dioxin-like PCBs.     

WDS-EPMA nitrogen profile determination in TiN/Ti diffusion couples using homotypic standard materials

Wavelength-dispersive electron probe microanalysis (WDS-EPMA) of TiN/Ti diffusion couples was carried out in order to determine the nitrogen profiles across the phase bands. Thein situ TiN/Ti diffusion couples were used for phase equilibrium studies. The problem of complete overlap of the Ti _L1 and N _K lines was solved using chemically well-characterized single-phase titanium nitride samples (-Ti(N), -Ti₂N and -TiN_1–X ) as external standards. By using such homotypic standard materials it was possible to eliminate systematic errors introduced by imperfect correction algorithms. The composition of the phases in multiphase TiN/Ti diffusion couples could be determined with an accuracy of better than ±1 at% N.     

Determination of primary biogenic amines in various food products using isocratic HPLC with 3-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-quinoline-2-carboxaldehyde as a new precolumn fluorogenic reagent

A simple HPLC approach has been successfully established for the sensitive determination of six biogenic amines (BAs) in food samples. The method involves derivatization with 3-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-quinoline-2-carboxaldehyde newly synthesized as a new fluorogenic reagent followed by LC isocratic elution mode. The optimization of both derivatization and separation conditions is carefully studied. Related analyses of the eluted compounds, in the presence of MeOH/THF/H(2)O (78:2.5:19.5 v/v/v) as a mobile phase containing 8 mM, pH 6.0 phosphate buffer solution, have been carried out on a C(18) column. The LOD (S/N = 3) of 2.5 nM, RSD value from 1.0 to 5.1% in peak areas, and good response linearity (R(2) >0.9936) are provided with fluorescence detection at lambda(ex)/lambda(em) = 480/545 nm. Obviously, recovery ranging from 95 to 107% in this method demonstrates its accuracy for determination of histamine, tyramine, 2-phenylethylamine, putrescine, cadaverine, and spermidine in the storage fish sample. Thus, the present method could be developed to monitor BAs in fish, cucumber, and spinach samples.     

Microextraction techniques in the analysis of food flavor compounds: A review

Food flavor compounds due to the complexity of food as a matrix, and usually their very low concentrations in a product, as well as their low odor thresholds, create a challenge in their extraction, separation and quantitation. Food flavor volatiles represent compounds of different polarity, volatility and chemical character, which determine method of extraction for their isolation from food. Microextraction techniques, mainly SPME and SBSE have been used for food flavor compounds analysis for two decades. Microextraction methods other than SPME and SBSE are seldom used despite their analytical potential. The review discusses the nature of food flavor compounds, and different approaches to food flavor analysis. It summarizes the use of microextraction methods in food flavor compounds analysis based on papers published in the last 5 years, and discusses the potential of microextraction methods in this field.     

Geographical discrimination of Chinese winter wheat using volatile compound analysis by HS‐SPME/GC‐MS coupled with multivariate statistical analysis

This study aimed to develop a potential analytical method to discriminate the Chinese winter wheat according to geographical origin and cultivars. A total of 90 wheat samples of 10 different wheat cultivars among three regions were examined by headspace solid phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). The peak areas of 32 main volatile compounds were selected and subjected to statistical analysis, which revealed significant differences among different regions and cultivars. Multivariate analysis of variance showed a significant influence of regions, wheat genotypes, and their interaction on the volatile composition of wheat. Principal component analysis of the aromatic profile showed better visualization for wheat geographical origins. Finally, a classification model based on the linear discriminant analysis was successfully constructed for the discrimination of regions and cultivars with the correct classification percentages of 90 and 100%, respectively.     

Electrochemical immunoassay using magnetic beads for the determination of zearalenone in baby food: An anticipated analytical tool for food safety

In this work, electrochemical immunoassay involving magnetic beads to determine zearalenone in selected food samples has been developed. The immunoassay scheme has been based on a direct competitive immunoassay method in which antibody-coated magnetic beads were employed as the immobilisation support and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was used as enzymatic label. Amperometric detection has been achieved through the addition of hydrogen peroxide substrate and hydroquinone as mediator.Analytical performance of the electrochemical immunoassay has been evaluated by analysis of maize certified reference material (CRM) and selected baby food samples. A detection limit (LOD) of 0.011 μg L⁻¹ and EC₅₀ 0.079 μg L⁻¹ were obtained allowing the assessment of the detection of zearalenone mycotoxin. In addition, an excellent accuracy with a high recovery yield ranging between 95 and 108% has been obtained. The analytical features have shown the proposed electrochemical immunoassay to be a very powerful and timely screening tool for the food safety scene.     

食品中反式脂肪酸分析方法的研究进展

食品中反式脂肪酸(TFAs)对人体健康有重要影响,因此日益受到人们的关注。针对TFAs的分析方法较多,包括光谱分析、色谱分析、质谱分析和电泳分析等。本文就目前报道的TFAs检测方法进行了综述,并详细介绍了各种方法的优缺点及其在相关食品分析中的应用。