Non-polar, non-volatile, sparsely soluble compounds pose a threat to aqueous organisms because of their high bioaccumulation potency. For volatile compounds GC would be the method of choice, however not very suitable for non-volatile compounds. Moreover, for the analysis of samples in aquatic matrices, LC is the preferred analytical technique, as sample preparation mostly is much less extensive than for GC. Furthermore, by using UPLC, much faster analysis can be achieved as compared to GC. Sensitivity of the analytical technique for measuring such compounds is achieved by using MS detection.
Since 2012 Bioaccumulation in Fish test can be performed via dietary test suitable for determining the bioaccumulation potential of substances with very low water solubility. In order to perform bioaccumulation test via dietary exposure fish pellets need to be accurately prepared, homogeneous and stable for a specific time frame. For analytical chemistry this test brought several challenges especially for non-labeled and hard ionizable compounds; from preparation point till their analysis.
The approach on how to deal with this challenge is demonstrated by the UPLC-MSMS analysis of a hydrocarbon-sulphur compounds using post column ionization.
Jelena Ciric, Charles River