Coupling complementary sample preparation methods and two-dimensional gas chromatography mass spectrometry with novel data workflows to the case of pollution in and from salmon aquaculture

Navigating in the intersection between constantly increasing knowledge about 'novel' pollutants and their potential impact on the environment and human health, and answering the demand by consumers for evidence of seafood safety, is a challenge for the aquaculture industry and regulators both. Non-target and suspect analytical methods may offer part of the solution to this challenge. In the current study, we developed and tested a novel pipeline for non-target screening for the presence of organic pollutants using complementary extraction protocols and two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The pipeline was applied to identify organic pollutants in muscle samples of farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Potential sources (intrinsic or environmental) were investigated through comparative analysis of feed pellets and local sediment samples. While no legacy contaminants were detected in either sample, a small suite of compounds of anthropogenic origin (preservatives, biocides, plasticizers and other plastic or chemical-industry-related compounds, as well as antioxidants and UV-stabilizers) was confidently detected, some of which may be candidates for future monitoring and mitigation actions.