Commercial cow milk is regarded to be a primary dietary source of human exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), which are known to persist in the environment, bioaccumulate and induce substantial toxic effects in both humans and wildlife. Even though previous studies have estimated the levels of dioxin-like PCB congeners (DL-PCBs) in cow milk of various countries, no studies have been conducted specifically in the state of California, which is responsible for about 20.5% of the total milk production in the United States. Furthermore, the levels of critical indicator non-dioxin like PCB (nDL-PCB) congeners and critical PBDEs have not been thoroughly studied in cow's milk. In this study, 15 congeners of PBDEs and 19 congeners of PCBs were analyzed in eight different brands of whole and fat free milk produced and distributed in California. Due to the high lipophilicity of both the analytes and sample matrix, rigorous sample preparation was essential in obtaining reproducible and satisfactory results. PCBs and PBDEs were extracted using a modified QuEChERS method and were subsequently purified by gel permeation chromatography. This method produced mean PCB and PBDE recoveries of 92.2% and 72.6% for skim milk, 89.6% and 64.4% for whole milk, respectively. The analytes were quantified using triple quadruple gas chromatography-coupled mass spectrometry (TQ GC-MS/MS) with electron impact (EI) positive scan. The limits of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) ranged from 0.21-3.46 pg/mL and 0.71-11.52 pg/mL for PBDEs, and 0.34-5.81 pg/mL and 1.15-19.36 pg/mL for PCBs, respectively. The milk samples contained measurable levels of all analyzed PCB and PBDE congeners in Californian cow's milk, with the predominant congeners being BDE-47 (0.67 ± 0.3 pg/g), BDE-99 (0.44 ± 17.7 pg/g), BDE-49 (0.21 ± 0.1 pg/g), and PCB-11 (1.57 ± 2.0 pg/g), PCB-118 (0.69 ± 0.7 pg/g), PCB-101 (0.61± 1.0 pg/g) and PCB-138 (0.60 ± 0.4 pg/g). These findings emphasize the importance and need for regular screening of susceptible food and feed products that pose a risk to human health.

Updated to reflect changes in the industry during the last ten years, The Handbook of Food Analysis, Third Edition covers the new analysis systems, optimization of existing techniques, and automation and miniaturization methods. Under the editorial guidance of food science pioneer Leo M.L. Nollet and new editor Fidel Toldra, the chapters take an in

The only comprehensive reference on this popular and rapidly developing technique provides a detailed overview, ranging from fundamentals to applications, including a section on the evaluation of GC-MS analyses. As such, it covers all aspects, including the theory and principles, as well as a broad range of real-life examples taken from laboratories in environmental, food, pharmaceutical and clinical analysis. It also features a glossary of approximately 300 terms and a substance index that facilitates finding a specific application. For this new edition the work has been now extended to two volumes, reflecting the latest developments in the technique and related instrumentation, while also incorporating several new examples of applications in many fields. The first two editions were very well received, making this handbook a must-have in all analytical laboratories using GC-MS.

This volume is a tribute to Professor Otto Hutzinger, the founding editor of The Handbook of Environmental Chemistry, in recognition of his pioneering work and contribution to our understanding of the sources, fate, exposure and effects of persistent organic pollutants. It consists of fourteen chapters written by individuals who have been inspired by his work and have followed in his footsteps by refining our knowledge of this field and opening new research directions. In Professor Hutzinger’s tradition of passing on valuable information to others, the authors present recent advances in areas such as inventories, remediation, and analytical determinations. Levels and trends in abiotic environments, biota, and human exposure via food, as well as the risks to the environment and humans from polychlorinated dibenzo dioxins, furans, and PCBs are also discussed. Other chapters deal with the relevant topics of DDT and its metabolites along with halogenated and phosphorus flame retardants.