Bisphenols and phthalates contamination in edible mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) from central Italy coastline: Occurrence, spatial distribution, and human health risk assessment

The presence, level, and distribution of two classes of endocrine disrupting chemicals were determined in raw mussels collected in 12 sampling sites of Lazio region coastline (central Italy). The analytical determinations were performed by applying a validated method based on matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) coupled with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for the determination of seven phthalates and eight bisphenols. The total concentration of phthalates and bisphenols ranged from 57.5 to 132 ng g −1 ww and from 0.73 to 219 ng g −1 ww, respectively. The most abundant analytes detected were diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP) and bisphenol-S (BPS). A risk assessment study for the intake of bisphenols and phthalates deriving from the consumption of mussels was conducted through calculation of Hazard Quotient (HQ) for BPA, BPS, DBP and DIBP. The HQs highlight a low risk for consumers (HQs > 1) for phtalates while a not negligible risk for BPA and BPS. • The presence and the levels of phthalates and bisphenols in mussels were evaluated. • The total concentration of studied phthalates and bisphenols ranged widely. • The consumption of mollusks does not determine a risky intake of studied phthalates. • The calculated HQs ranged from 0.24 to 26 for BPA and from 0.51 to 978 for BPS.