Development and application of a QuEChERS-based extraction method for the analysis of 55 pesticides in the bivalve Scrobicularia plana by GC-MS/MS

A method for quantitative determination of 55 pesticides in a bivalve matrix was established, based on QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) extraction and using gas chromatography (GC)-ion trap (IT) mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Accomplishing the European SANCO guidelines, this method was validated using 5 g of homogenized soft tissue, allowing the quantification of pesticides at ng/g of wet weight (ww). Quantification limits and recovery rates ranged from 0.33 to 10.3 μg/L and from 78 to 119 %, respectively. As an important mollusc, not only from an ecological perspective but also for food consumption, the peppery furrow shell (Scrobicularia plana) was sampled at three strategical sites (Ria Formosa Lagoon, in the south of Portugal) during 2012–2013, over six campaigns. A total of 2160 animals were pooled by place and sex. No statistical differences were found among sites or between sexes. Forty percent of the sampled pools were above quantification limits, reaching total annual average concentrations of ∑800 ng/g ww. Additionally, 83 % of the selected compounds showed concentrations above the legal limits set by the European Directive 2013/39/EU. In conclusion, the applied method was successful and proved that bivalves were contaminated by the selected pesticides. In future work, this methodology can be used to monitor body burdens and obtain data for predicting impacts in shellfish consumers.