Screening of additives in plastics with high resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry and different ionization sources: direct probe injection (DIP)-APCI, LC-APCI, and LC-ion booster ESI

A green approach for the automatic quantitative analysis of additives in plastic samples using in-tube extraction dynamic headspace sampling technique coupled to GC-MS/MS

BACKGROUND

Many of the chemicals frequently used as additives have been recognised as hazardous substances, and therefore their analysis is necessary to evaluate plastic contamination risk. Additives analysis in plastic samples is usually performed by methods involving high volumes of toxic solvents or having high detection limits. In this work, a novel, fast, solventless and reliable green method was developed for the automated analysis of plastic additives from plastic samples. The proposed method consists of in-tube extraction dynamic headspace sampling (ITEX-DHS) combined with gas chromatography (GC) and mass spectrometry (MS/MS) determination.

RESULTS

Several parameters affecting the ITEX-DHS extraction of 47 additives in plastic samples (including phthalates, bisphenols, adipates, citrates, benzophenones, organophosphorus compounds, among others) were optimised. The use of matrix-matched calibration, together with labelled surrogate standards, minimises matrix effects, resulting in recoveries between 70 and 128%, with good quantitation limits (below 0.1 μg g-1 for most compounds) and precision (<20%). The method proposed can be applied to any type of polymer, but due to the existence of the matrix effect, calibrates with the adequate matrix should be performed for each polymer.

SIGNIFICANCE

This method represents an effective improvement compared to previous methods because it is fast, solvent-free, fully automated, and provides reliable quantification of additives in plastic samples.

A Rapid Screening Method for the Detection of Additives in Electronics and Plastic Consumer Products Using AP-MALDI-qTOF-MS

A novel method was developed and optimized for the fast-screening analysis of additives in electronics and plastic consumer products using atmospheric pressure matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (AP-MALDI) coupled with a high-resolution quadrupole time-of-flight (qTOF) mass spectrometer (MS). To simplify sample preparation and increase sample throughput, an innovative 48 well graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) doped AP-MALDI target plate was developed. The GNP incorporated in the target plate fulfilled the role of the MALDI matrix and, therefore, sample extracts could be directly transferred to the AP-MALDI 48 well target plate and analyzed without a subsequent matrix addition. The homogeneously dispersed and immobilized GNP target plates also provided increased signal intensity and reproducibility. Furthermore, analytical standards of various plastic additives and plastic products with known concentrations of additives were studied to assess the AP-MALDI ionization mechanisms and method capability. The analysis time was 15 s per measurement using an automated sequence. The GNP-doped target plates exhibited high desorption/ionization of low molecular weight molecules (<1000 Da) and can be used in both positive and negative ionization modes. The AP-MALDI-qTOF-MS method was applied to screen for additives in various electronics and plastic consumer products. Suspect screening was performed using a database containing 1366 compounds. A total of 56 additives including antioxidants, flame retardants, plasticizers, UV-stabilizers, and UV-filters were identified (confidence level 4). Identification of certain plastic additives in plastic children's toys may indicate that they are recycled from waste electronic and electronic equipment (WEEE).

Chemical Characterization and Non-targeted Analysis of Medical Device Extracts: A Review of Current Approaches, Gaps, and Emerging Practices

The developers of medical devices evaluate the biocompatibility of their device prior to FDA's review and subsequent introduction to the market. Chemical characterization, described in ISO 10993-18:2020, can generate information for toxicological risk assessment and is an alternative approach for addressing some biocompatibility end points (e.g., systemic toxicity, genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, reproductive/developmental toxicity) that can reduce the time and cost of testing and the need for animal testing. Additionally, chemical characterization can be used to determine whether modifications to the materials and manufacturing processes alter the chemistry of a patient-contacting device to an extent that could impact device safety. Extractables testing is one approach to chemical characterization that employs combinations of non-targeted analysis, non-targeted screening, and/or targeted analysis to establish the identities and quantities of the various chemical constituents that can be released from a device. Due to the difficulty in obtaining a priori information on all the constituents in finished devices, information generation strategies in the form of analytical chemistry testing are often used. Identified and quantified extractables are then assessed using toxicological risk assessment approaches to determine if reported quantities are sufficiently low to overcome the need for further chemical analysis, biological evaluation of select end points, or risk control. For extractables studies to be useful as a screening tool, comprehensive and reliable non-targeted methods are needed. Although non-targeted methods have been adopted by many laboratories, they are laboratory-specific and require expensive analytical instruments and advanced technical expertise to perform. In this Perspective, we describe the elements of extractables studies and provide an overview of the current practices, identified gaps, and emerging practices that may be adopted on a wider scale in the future. This Perspective is outlined according to the steps of an extractables study: information gathering, extraction, extract sample processing, system selection, qualification, quantification, and identification.

Legacy and emerging organophosphorus flame retardants and plasticizers in frogs: Sex difference and parental transfer

Black-spotted frogs and bullfrogs from an e-waste polluted area were collected and examined for legacy and emerging organophosphorus flame retardants (PFRs) and plasticizers. Total concentrations of PFRs and plasticizers were 0.62-15 ng/g wet weight (ww) and 316-4904 ng/g ww in muscles, 2.2-59 ng/g ww and 127-5757 ng/g ww in eggs and gonads, and 1.2-15 ng/g ww and 51-1510 ng/g ww in oviducts, respectively. For muscle tissues, concentrations of ∑PFRs, triethyl phosphate, tris-(2-chloroethyl) phosphate, and tris-(chloro-2-propyl) phosphate were significantly higher in the males than females (p < 0.05). However, for reproductive tissues, eggs exhibited higher levels of those contaminants than gonads (p < 0.05). No significant sex difference in levels of plasticizers was observed in muscles. In contrast, levels for (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, di-n-butyl phthalate, and di-iso-butyl phthalate in gonads were significantly higher than those in eggs (p < 0.05). Significantly negative linear correlations between maternal transfer ratios and log K_OW were found in female frogs. Paternal transfer potentials were first significantly and positively correlated to log K_OW (<6) and then decreased afterward in the males. These results indicated that parental transfer was answer for the sex-specific accumulation of PFRs and plasticizers in frogs.

Characterization of additives in plastics: From MS to MS10 multistep mass analysis and theoretical calculations of tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphate

In the analysis by electrospray (+) of an extract of hemp sprouts put in a polypropylene vial, we found a large contamination of a plastic additive. It was characterized by multiple-stage MSⁿ experiments (MS ÷ MS¹⁰ ) and identified as tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphate, also known with the synonyms F32IRS6B46, oxidized Naugard 524, and others. The MS² ÷ MS⁷ spectra are characterized by consecutive eliminations of six isobutene molecules from the tert-butyl moieties, some of them also occurring in the ion source. The first three are calculated to occur preferentially from the ortho positions, whereas eliminations from the para positions are estimated to be less favored at about 5-6 kcal/mol in each step. Once the first three isobutene molecules are eliminated, the remaining three are lost from the tert-butyl moieties in para positions (MS⁵ ÷ MS⁷ ), yielding protonated triphenylphosphate, whose structure has been confirmed by the MS² spectrum of triphenylphosphate standard: the latter spectrum is almost superimposable with the MS⁸ spectrum of the analyte under investigation. MS⁸ and MS⁹ spectra show main losses of water and C₆ H₄ molecules. The MS¹⁰ spectrum of precursor ions at m/z 215 shows the gas-phase addition of water and methanol and ions at m/z 168, attributable to the loss of a phosphorus oxide radical. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations (Becke 3LYP [B3LYP] 6-311+G(2d,2p)) have been used to evaluate structure and stability of different ionic and neutral species involved in the decomposition pathways and to calculate thermochemical data of the decomposition reactions. This multistep mass analysis combined with theoretical calculations resulted to be particularly useful and effective, yielding chemical, thermochemical, and mechanistic data of significant utility in the structural characterization and identification of the unknown analyte as well as to define its gas-phase reactivity under a multistep low-energy collision-induced dissociation regime.

Evaluation of Direct Analysis in Real Time - High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (DART-HRMS) for WEEE specific substance determination in polymeric samples

There is an increased need for quick screening tools enabling the detection of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), and in particular brominated flame retardants (BFRs), in polymeric materials. Unfortunately, common laboratory techniques might face matrix effects or encounter long sample preparation times. Therefore, an ambient desorption mass spectrometric technique such as Direct Analysis in Real Time - High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (DART-HRMS) might provide fast BFR identification in polymeric objects. Within this pilot-study, the potential of DART-HRMS for the detection of WEEE fractions has been tested on WEEE impacted consumer goods such as toys and food contact articles. The identification of polymeric material containing WEEE to date has relied on measuring multiple parameters such as; polymer purity, bromine and antimony content, as well as presence of rare earth elements (REEs). In this respect DART-HRMS demonstrated an excellent ability to identify BFRs in samples at WEEE relevant concentrations, and in certain cases, volatile antimony species could be detected. DART-HRMS can be used complementary to X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy and thermal desorption GC-MS. However, more efforts to characterize DART-HRMS sensitivity limits for antimony detection are needed to ensure DART-HRMS adds value as a stand-alone screening technique for WEEE in contaminated polymers and consumer goods.

Are cell phones an indicator of personal exposure to organophosphate flame retardants and plasticizers?

BACKGROUND

Exposure to organophosphate ester (OPE) flame retardants and plasticizers is widespread and is of concern due to their toxicity.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate relationships between and within OPE concentrations in air, dust, hands, electronic product wipes and urinary metabolites with the goal of identifying product sources and exposure pathways.

METHODS

Women in Toronto and Ottawa, Canada, provided a urine sample, two sets of hand wipes, access to their homes for air and dust sampling, and completed a questionnaire. OPE concentrations were obtained for air and floor dust in the bedroom (n = 51) and most used room (n = 26), hand wipes (n = 204), and surface wipes of handheld (n = 74) and non-handheld electronic devices (n = 125). All air, dust and wipe samples were analyzed for 23 OPE compounds; urine samples (n = 44) were analyzed for 8 OPE metabolites.

RESULTS

Five-8 OPEs were detected in >80% of samples depending on the sample type. OPE median concentrations in hand wipes taken 3 weeks apart were not significantly different. Palms had higher concentrations than the back of hands; both were significantly correlated. Concentrations of 9 OPEs were significantly higher in surface wipes of handheld than non-handheld electronic devices. Six OPEs in hand wipes were significantly correlated with cell phone wipes, with two to four OPEs significantly correlated with tablet, laptop and television wipes. Multiple regression models using hand wipes, cell phone wipes and dust explained 8-33% of the variation in creatinine-adjusted urinary metabolites; air concentrations did not have explanatory power. OPEs in cell phone wipes explained the greatest variation in urinary metabolites.

CONCLUSIONS

Handheld electronic devices, notably cell phones, may either be sources or indicators of OPE exposure through hand-to-mouth and/or dermal uptake.

Legacy and emerging organophosphοrus flame retardants in car dust from Greece: Implications for human exposure

Organophosphorus flame retardants (PFRs) and emerging PFRs (ePFRs) are two groups of compounds used as replacements for brominated flame retardants (BFRs). They have already been detected in indoor dust (mainly in homes and offices). To date, few studies investigated the occurrence of FRs in car dust and the information of possible health risks is still limited. The present study reports on the investigation of the levels and profiles of eight target PFRs: tris(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (TEHP), tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP), tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBEP), triphenyl phosphate (TPHP), 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate (EHDPHP), tris(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TCIPP), tri cresyl phosphate (TCP), tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) and four target ePFRs; 2,2-bis(chloromethyl)propane-1,3-diyltetrakis(2-chloroethyl)bisphosphate (V6), isodecyl diphenyl phosphate (iDDPHP), resorcinol bis(diphenylphosphate) (RDP) and bisphenol A-bis(diphenyl phosphate) (BDP) in car dust from Greece. The samples were collected from the interior of 25 private cars in Thessaloniki, Greece, with different years of manufacture (1997-2015) and continents of origin. After ultrasonic extraction and Florisil fractionation, the PFR analysis was carried out by GC-EI/MS, whereas the ePFRs were analyzed by LC-MS/MS. Levels of Σ₈PFRs varied from 2000 to 190,000 ng g^-1, with mean and median concentrations of 20,000 and 11,500 ng g^-1, respectively. The concentrations of Σ₄ePFRs ranged from 44 to 8700 ng g^-1, with mean and median values at 1100 and 190 ng g^-1, respectively. Estimations of human exposure showed that toddlers are more exposed than adults to both PFRs and ePFRs. Yet, the intake via dust ingestion and dermal absorption was several orders of magnitude lower than the corresponding reference doses.

Screening of additives and other chemicals in polyurethanes by direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry (DART-MS)

Direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry (DART-MS) was used to characterize commercial polyurethane (PUR) samples without sample pretreatment. More than 50 substances, such as catalysts, stabilizers, antioxidants, flame retardants, plasticizers, chain extenders, chain terminators, polyols, solvents, degradation products and contaminants, a few of them presumably toxic, were detected and identified in 18 PUR items. The identification of 16 compounds was further confirmed by DART MS/MS experiments. Catalysts were the largest class of compounds detected in the PURs by DART-MS. In each of the 18 PUR samples, at least one catalyst residue was identified. In addition, DART-MS was able to detect the migration of hazardous chemicals from the PURs to other objects. The collision-induced dissociation (CID) properties of two PUR catalysts, such as the protonated bis[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl] ether (DMAEE) and the protonated 2,2-dimorpholinodiethylether (DMDEE), as well as those of two PUR antioxidants (Antioxidant 1135 and Antioxidant 1076), were explored.

Rapid Analysis of Bisphenol A and Its Analogues in Food Packaging Products by Paper Spray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

In this study, a paper spray ionization mass spectrometric (PS-MS) method was developed for the rapid in situ screening and simultaneous quantitative analysis of bisphenol A and its analogues, i.e., bisphenol S, bisphenol F, and bisphenol AF, in food packaging products. At the optimal PS-MS conditions, the calibration curves of bisphenols in the range of 1-100 μg/mL were linear. The correlation coefficients were higher than 0.998, and the LODs of the target compounds were 0.1-0.3 μg/mL. After a simple treatment by dichloromethane on the surface, the samples were analyzed by PS-MS in situ for rapid screening without a traditional sample pretreatment procedure, such as powdering, extraction, and enrichment steps. The analytical time of the PS-MS method was less than 1 min. In comparison with conventional HPLC-MS/MS, it was demonstrated that PS-MS was a more effective high-throughput screening and quantitative analysis method.

Identification of Novel Brominated Compounds in Flame Retarded Plastics Containing TBBPA by Combining Isotope Pattern and Mass Defect Cluster Analysis

The study of not only main flame retardants but also of related degradation products or impurities has gained attention in the last years and is relevant to assess the safety of our consumer products and the emission of potential contaminants into the environment. In this study, we show that plastics casings of electric/electronic devices containing TBBPA contain also a complex mixture of related brominated chemicals. These compounds were most probably coming from impurities, byproducts, or degradation products of TBBPA and TBBPA derivatives. A total of 14 brominated compounds were identified based on accurate mass measurements (formulas and tentative structures proposed). The formulas (or number of bromine elements) for 19 other brominated compounds of minor intensity are also provided. A new script for the recognition of halogenated compounds based on combining a simplified isotope pattern and mass defect cluster analysis was developed in R for the screening. The identified compounds could be relevant from an environmental and industrial point of view.

Highly Selective Screening of Estrogenic Compounds in Consumer-Electronics Plastics by Liquid Chromatography in Parallel Combined with Nanofractionation-Bioactivity Detection and Mass Spectrometry

The chemical safety of consumer products is an issue of emerging concern. Plastics are widely used, e.g. as casings of consumer electronics (TVs, computers, routers, etc.), which are present in houses and offices in continuously increasing numbers. In this study, we investigate the estrogenic activity of components of plastics coming from electronics' casings. A recently developed fractionation platform for effect-directed analysis (EDA) was used. This platform combines reversed-phase liquid chromatography in parallel with bioassay detection via nanofractionation and with online high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOFMS) for the identification of bioactives. Four out of eight of the analyzed plastics samples showed the presence of estrogenic compounds. Based on the MS results these were assigned to bisphenol A (BPA), 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol, and a possible bisphenol A analog. All samples contained flame retardants, but these did not show any estrogenicity. The observed BPA, however, could be an impurity of tetrabromo-BPA (TBBPA) or TBBPA-based flame retardants. Due to the plausible migration of additives from plastics into the environment, plastics from consumer electronics likely constitute a source of estrogenic compound contamination in the indoor environment.

Impurities of Resorcinol Bis(diphenyl phosphate) in Plastics and Dust Collected on Electric/Electronic Material

Resorcinol bis(diphenylphosphate) (RDP) is an organophosphorus flame retardant widely used in electric and electronic equipment. It has been detected in house dust of several European countries according to recent literature. Similar to other flame retardants, RDP formulations and products treated with RDP, such as plastics, can contain RDP impurities, byproducts and breakdown products. In this study, we use screening methods based on wide scope solvent extraction and high resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry for the identification of RDP related compounds in products and in dust. We analyzed both plastics from electrical/electronic equipment that contained RDP and indoor dust collected on and around surfaces of this equipment. A variety of compounds, namely TPHP, hydroxylated TPHP and RDP (meta-HO-TPHP and meta-HO-RDP), dihydroxylated TPHP, RDP with the loss of a phenyl group (RDP-[Phe]) and RDP oligomers were detected in plastics containing high levels of RDP. Regarding dust samples collected on electronics, TPHP meta-HO-TPHP, meta-HO-RDP, RDP-[Phe] and RDP oligomers were detected. High concentrations of meta-HO-TPHP (20-14 227 ng/g), TPHP (222-50 728 ng/g) and RDP (23-29 118 ng/g) were found in many of the dust samples, so that these compounds seem to easily migrate into the environment. These RDP impurities, byproducts and breakdown products are for the first time reported in indoor dust. Meta-HO-TPHP could be relevant for future biomonitoring studies concerning flame retardants.