Murray State University
Trace Level Analysis of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in Fish Tissue Extracts using a Gas Chromatograph-Electron Capture Detector
Institution
Murray State University
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Bommanna Loganathan
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are one of the additive flame retardants widely used in plastics, textiles, and in electronic appliances including computers and televisions. Widespread use of PBDEs has resulted in environmental contamination. Exposure to PBDEs can cause harmful effects in wildlife and humans. Limited data is available on the levels of these compounds in fish tissues and on human exposure via consumption of contaminated fish. In this study, a gas chromatograph equipped with electron capture detector was calibrated using known concentrations of PBDE standards. Response factors and method detection limits were determined for 12 PBDE congeners. Fish tissues (collected from the Atlantic coastal waters) were analyzed for PBDE congeners and the analytes were quantified using an Excel program. The individual and total PBDE concentration data for each fish species were tabulated and compared with literature PBDE data of fish from other regions in the United States. This study provides baseline data on PBDE levels in the fish from Atlantic coastal waters off Savannah, GA. Future monitoring studies on PBDEs is essential in order to determine bioaccumulation, biomagnefication, and effects of these compounds in wildlife and humans. Results revealed that PBDEs 47, 99, 100 and 28/33 were frequently detected in fish samples. Inter-species and intraspecies differences were noticed. Accumulation pattern of the PBDEs in fish tissues shown the following order 47>99>100>28/33>66.
Trace Level Analysis of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in Fish Tissue Extracts using a Gas Chromatograph-Electron Capture Detector
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are one of the additive flame retardants widely used in plastics, textiles, and in electronic appliances including computers and televisions. Widespread use of PBDEs has resulted in environmental contamination. Exposure to PBDEs can cause harmful effects in wildlife and humans. Limited data is available on the levels of these compounds in fish tissues and on human exposure via consumption of contaminated fish. In this study, a gas chromatograph equipped with electron capture detector was calibrated using known concentrations of PBDE standards. Response factors and method detection limits were determined for 12 PBDE congeners. Fish tissues (collected from the Atlantic coastal waters) were analyzed for PBDE congeners and the analytes were quantified using an Excel program. The individual and total PBDE concentration data for each fish species were tabulated and compared with literature PBDE data of fish from other regions in the United States. This study provides baseline data on PBDE levels in the fish from Atlantic coastal waters off Savannah, GA. Future monitoring studies on PBDEs is essential in order to determine bioaccumulation, biomagnefication, and effects of these compounds in wildlife and humans. Results revealed that PBDEs 47, 99, 100 and 28/33 were frequently detected in fish samples. Inter-species and intraspecies differences were noticed. Accumulation pattern of the PBDEs in fish tissues shown the following order 47>99>100>28/33>66.