EXTREVA ASE Accelerated Solvent Extractor accelerates time to insight for persistent organic pollutants (POPs) analyses in tuna

Importance of the Topic

The accumulation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in apex marine species such as tuna poses significant food safety risks for consumers worldwide. Tuna can concentrate high levels of toxic chemicals, especially when feeding near industrial areas, making rapid and reliable analytical methods essential to monitor these contaminants in seafood.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study aimed to develop and validate a streamlined analytical workflow for the simultaneous extraction, cleanup, and quantification of 33 POPs—including PCBs, OCPs, PBDEs, and PAHs—in tuna tissue. By integrating accelerated solvent extraction with inline purification, the method sought to reduce sample preparation time, solvent usage, and laboratory workload, while maintaining analytical performance suitable for regulatory monitoring.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Sample Preparation and Extraction

• Thirty tuna specimens from five FAO major fishing areas were freeze-dried to remove >99% of water and prevent co-extraction of moisture.
• Aliquots equivalent to 3 g wet weight were blended with diatomaceous earth dispersant.
• Samples were processed in a 22 mL extraction cell containing Supel QuE Z-Sep sorbent for inline lipid removal.
• The EXTREVA ASE system performed pressurized fluid extraction, inline cleanup, and solvent evaporation in a single automated run, extracting four samples in parallel within 100 min.

Instrumental Analysis

• Thermo Scientific TRACE 1310 Gas Chromatograph coupled to a TSQ 8000 Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer was employed in SRM mode for compound detection and quantitation.
• Two MS/MS transitions per analyte were monitored according to SANTE identification criteria.

Použitá instrumentace

• Thermo Scientific EXTREVA ASE Accelerated Solvent Extractor
• Thermo Scientific TRACE 1310 Gas Chromatograph
• Thermo Scientific TSQ 8000 Triple Quadrupole MS

Main Results and Discussion

Recovery and Validation

• Linearity (R² ≥ 0.99) and repeatability met SANTE guidelines.
• Average recoveries were 93–109% across all target compounds.

POP Occurrence in Tuna

• PCBs were detected in every sample (1.43–59.79 ng/g).
• PBDE congeners showed variable prevalence: PBDE 28 in 73% of samples; PBDE 47, 100, 153 in over 30%; others below 25%.
• DDT and its metabolites appeared in 80% of samples; hexachlorobenzene was ubiquitous; only one PAH (benzo(b)fluoranthene) was marginally detected.

Geographical Trends

• Tuna from FAO area 37.2 showed significantly higher PCB 180 and other POP levels compared to other fishing zones (p < 0.01).
• Variations reflect regional contamination sources and emphasize the need for area-specific monitoring.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The integrated ASE approach reduced total sample preparation time by 50% and halved solvent use compared to conventional methods. Inline lipid cleanup enhanced instrument robustness by minimizing nonvolatile residues. The automated workflow doubled daily sample throughput, supporting high-volume food safety laboratories and regulatory monitoring programs.

Future Trends and Applications

Continuous surveillance of POPs in diverse seafood and other food chains is critical to protect public health. Adapting the one-step ASE approach for emerging contaminants such as PFAS will further expand its utility. Ongoing improvements in sorbent technology and MS detection promise even greater sensitivity and throughput.

Conclusion

This case study demonstrates that combining accelerated solvent extraction with inline Supel QuE Z-Sep cleanup and GC-MS/MS detection provides a fast, reliable, and environmentally friendly solution for multiresidue POP analysis in tuna. The method’s high performance, reduced solvent consumption, and enhanced laboratory efficiency make it a compelling alternative to traditional workflows.

Reference

• Strett B. Bioaccumulation of contaminants in fish. In Fish Ecotoxicology; Birkhäuser: Basel, 1998; pp. 353–387.
• Chiesa LM, Labella GF, Panseri S, Pavlovic R, Bonacci S, Arioli F. Distribution of persistent organic pollutants in wild Bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) from different FAO capture zones. Chemosphere 2016,153:162–169.
• Galbiati F, Ladisa T, Chiesa LM, Mosconi G, Panseri S. Determination of persistent organic pollutants in fish tissues by EXTREVA ASE and GC-MS/MS. Thermo Scientific Application Note CN001959-EN, 2023.
• European Commission. Analytical Quality Control and Method Validation Procedures for Pesticide Residues Analysis in Food and Feed (SANTE 11312/2021).
• Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. FAO Major Fishing Areas. FAO Fisheries & Aquaculture.
• By Karte: NordNordWest. FAO major fishing areas map. CC BY-SA 3.0 de.