Validation of a Method for the Quantification of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Fish

International audienceThis study aimed to meet the need for a reliable method for the quantification of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in fish. To this end, the standard NFV03-110 was used to validate internally a method for the determination of six polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs): benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), benzo(b)fluoranthene (BbF), benzo(g,h,i)perylene (BghiP), benzo(k)fluoranthene (BkF), fluoranthene (F), indeno(1,2,3-c,d)pyrene (IcdP) in samples of fresh and smoked fish. This study was conducted in accordance with the specific requirements of the standard ISO/DIS/15753 applicable to the High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Pearson coefficients for the six PAHs ranged from 0.998 to 0.999. The limits of detection were between 0.04 µg/kg for benzo(g,h,i)perylene and 0.15 µg/kg for benzo(b)fluoranthene and benzo(k)fluoranthene. The limits of quantification varied between 0.1 µg/kg for benzo(g,h,i)perylene and 0.15 µg/kg for benzo(b)fluoranthene and benzo(k)fluoranthene. The coefficients of variation for the repeatability and reproducibility tests were less than 4% for standards at 2.5 µg/L and 5 µg/L. The recovery percentages for the tests of adequacy were close to 100%. Moreover, the compliance test revealed no significant differences between PAHs concentrations and the certified values. As a result, the method used to determine PAHs concentrations is valid. This method was then used to quantify PAHs concentrations in samples of fresh and smoked fish intended for human consumption. The concentrations measured varied from one molecule to another and according to the physiological status of the fish