A multivariate approach to overcome chlorophyll interferences in the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in jambu (Acmella olerarea (L.) R.K. Jansen)

• Published in: Journal of food composition and analysis 2021-12, Vol.104, p.104189, Article 104189
• Main Authors: Neves, Daniela Andrade, Oliveira, Wellington da Silva, Petrarca, Mateus Henrique, Rodrigues, Maria Isabel, Godoy, Helena Teixeira
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Food analysis; Food composition; GC–MS; PAH; Plackett-Burman; QuEChERS; Sample preparation; Spilanthes acmellas
• ISSN: 0889-1575; 1096-0481
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jfca.2021.104189

•Plackett-Burman design was used for the development of PAH extraction from jambu.•The extraction method was faster and used a small solvent amount.•Efficient chlorophyll removal was reached using a small amount of adsorbents.•PAHs was detected in jambu samples. A Plackett-Burman design was used to develop an extraction method for eleven polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from jambu (Acmella oleracea (L.) R.K. Jansen), a high chlorophyll matrix. For this, a QuEChERS method was used, followed by two clean-up steps: a dispersive solid-phase extraction (d-SPE) with PSA, SAX, C18, and MgSO4, and a liquid-liquid extraction with hexane. Clear extracts with a visible reduction in the chlorophyll content were reached. Gas chromatograph mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was used for quantification. The method was validated in terms of limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ), linearity, matrix effect, precision, and recovery. The incidence of benzo(a)anthracene and benzo(b)fluoranthene in jambu was observed below the LOQ. On the other hand, chrysene was quantified in concentrations varying from 1.49 to 2.76 μg.kg−1. For the first time, these compounds were detected in jambu.