New study finds cancer-linked compounds in common foods

Given these risks, accurately extracting and identifying PAHs in food is extremely important. Traditional extraction approaches, including solid-phase, liquid-liquid, and accelerated solvent extraction, are effective but often slow, labor intensive, and less environmentally friendly. To address these challenges, researchers have turned to the QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) method, a technique designed to simplify and speed up the extraction of organic compounds. This approach shortens processing time, increases accuracy and recovery, and streamlines sample preparation, contributing to safer and more efficient PAH analysis.

SeoulTech Researchers Apply QuEChERS to Eight PAHs

A recent investigation by a team from the Department of Food Science and Biotechnology at Seoul National University of Science and Technology, led by Professor Joon-Goo Lee, applied the QuEChERS method to measure eight PAHs (Benzo[a]anthracene, Chrysene, Benzo[b]fluoranthene, Benzo[k]fluoranthene, Benzo[a]pyrene, Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene, Dibenz[a,h]anthracene, and Benzo[g,h,i]perylene) in food. The study was published in Food Science and Biotechnology.

To perform the analysis, the researchers used acetonitrile to extract PAHs before purifying the samples with several combinations of sorbents. Using multiple food matrices, they confirmed that the QuEChERS method produced highly consistent results. Calibration curves for all eight PAHs showed exceptional linearity, with the R2 value surpassing 0.99.

Gas chromatography‒mass spectrometry testing revealed detection limits ranging from 0.006 to 0.035 µg/kg and quantification limits between 0.019 and 0.133 µg/kg. Recovery rates were equally strong, ranging from 86.3 to 109.6% at 5 µg/kg, 87.7 to 100.1% at 10 µg/kg, and 89.6 to 102.9% at 20 µg/kg, with precision values between 0.4 and 6.9% across all tested food matrices.

Prof. Lee explains, "This method not only simplifies the analytical process but also demonstrates high efficiency in detection compared to conventional methods. It can be applied to a wide range of food matrices."

Practical Applications and Public Health Benefits

In food-related industries, this method could support more effective safety inspections and improve overall quality control. It may also lower operational costs and enhance worker safety.

"Our research can improve public health by providing safe food. It also reduces the use and emission of hazardous chemicals in laboratory testing," concludes Prof. Lee.

Overall, the study demonstrates that the PAH analysis technique built on the QuEChERS approach is rapid, accurate, and environmentally sustainable.