Analysis of plasticizers and their metabolites in banana crop by-products for valorization

Banana by-products are promising raw materials for valorization due to their content in bioactive compounds, yet they are usually underutilized after fruit harvest. Their transformation into added-value commodities is fully aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by promoting efficient resource use, recycling, and waste reduction. However, these products may also accumulate anthropogenic contaminants, such as plasticizers, which can compromise their quality and safety. To address this issue, this work is focused on the development, validation and application of an ultrasound-assisted QuEChERS method combined with UHPLC-MS/MS for the simultaneous determination of 17 plasticizers, including phthalates, their metabolites, and one adipate. The method showed satisfactory extraction capacity (recovery values between 75 % and 106 %) and sensitivity (LOQs in the range 0.23 μg/kg - 5.77 μg/kg) and was applied to 19 banana leaf samples collected across the Canary Islands. Several compounds, including monobutyl phthalate, mono (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, monobenzyl phthalate, benzyl butyl phthalate and bis (2-ethylhexyl) adipate, were quantified at concentrations in the range 1.86 – 75.8 μg/kg, confirming the ubiquitous occurrence of plasticizers in banana by-products. The developed method is a useful tool for the safe and sustainable valorization of banana residues, bringing producing regions closer to current trends in sustainable agriculture, production, and circular economy. • Plasticizers and their metabolites were assessed in banana crop by-products. • An UA-QuEChERS method was developed for simultaneous analysis of PAEs, MPEs and DEHA. • The method was optimized, validated and applied to different banana leaf samples. • 17 analytes were detected in the samples, being MBP, MEHP and DCHP the most abundant. • Widespread distribution of plasticizers was demonstrated in banana by-products.