Application of marine sponges for biomonitoring active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in coral reefs. Optimization of an SPME and ESI-LC-MS/MS method

• Published in: Marine pollution bulletin 2024-10, Vol.207, p.116867, Article 116867
• Main Authors: Saliu, Francesco, Becchi, Alessandro, Montalbetti, Enrico, Isa, Valerio, Gatti, Tommaso, Riseri, Davide, Lasagni, Marina, Galli, Paolo, Seveso, Davide
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chemical pollution; Coral reefs; In vivo analysis; Maldives; Mass spectrometry; Pharmaceuticals
• ISSN: 0025-326X; 1879-3363; 1879-3363
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116867

Chemical pollution is a threat to coral reefs. To preserve them, it is crucial to monitor novel contaminants and assess the related risks. The occurrence of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in coral reefs has been poorly investigated until now. Under this light, we tested the use of the marine sponge Cf. Hyrtios as bio-monitors and conducted a pilot study in the Faafu Atoll (Maldives). Analyses were carried out by in vivo solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and liquid chromatography (LC) electrospray ionization (ESI) tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Twelve APIs were selected for method optimization. Limits of quantitation (LOQs) were in the 0.6 and 2.5 ng/g range, accuracy between 86.5 % and 104.7 %, and precision between 3.0 % and 14.9 %. All the sponges located in the inner reefs resulted contaminated with at least one API. Gabapentin and Carbamazepine displayed the highest detection rates, while Ketoprofen had the highest concentration (up to 15.7 ng/g). [Display omitted] •Marine sponges were tested as bio-monitors of APIs in coral reefs.•ESI-SPME-LC-MS/MS method conditions have been optimized for 12 APIS.•LOQs were in the 0.6 and 2.5 ng/g range and accuracy between 86.5 % and 104.7 %.•A survey was conducted in the Faafu Atoll (Maldives).•APIs were primarily detected in the lagoon in concentrations up to 15.7 ng/g.