Pulp from Colored Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) as an Ingredient Enriching Dessert Cookies.

Freeze-dried pulp from colored potatoes, obtained after starch isolation, is a rich source of polyphenols. Therefore, it can be used to fortify cookies, contributing to a reduction in industrial waste, aligning with the zero-waste technology. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of adding 5% and 10% pulp from two varieties of colored potatoes on the content of polyphenols, antioxidant activity, physical characteristics, nutritional composition, and the levels of hydroxymethylfurfural and acrylamide of the fortified cookies. The findings revealed that colored potato pulp is an outstanding additive for fortifying cookies with polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and flavonols (even two to four times in comparison to control). Cookies containing pulp exhibited even two times higher fiber and protein content (up to 17% more), while the fat and ash content remained unchanged compared to control cookies. Furthermore, they contained 30% less HMF and 40% more acrylamide. These cookies also exhibited good physical properties in the final products. The study demonstrated that pulp from the "Magenta Love" potato variety was significantly more effective in enriching cookies with health-promoting compounds and nutrition value compared to pulp from Marleta Blue.

Detection of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in High-Protein Food Products.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) belong to the emerging class of persistent organohalogenated contaminants in the environment. We determined the levels of 10 PFAS in selected samples representing different food types, with a special focus on those rich in protein such as fish, meat and meat preparations, liver, eggs, and leguminous vegetables. Such determinations were based on the Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged Safe extraction procedure followed by micro-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The most frequently found was perfluorooctanoic acid, in 84% of the food samples. However, its maximum measured concentration was 0.50 ng g-1 , in a herring sample. The highest concentrations were for perfluorobutanoic acid (35 ng g-1 measured in a pork liver sample) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (12 ng g-1 measured in a herring sample). Because these compounds may bioaccumulate in human tissues by dietary intake, further research into their impact on human health is called for. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:2589-2598. © 2023 SETAC.

Relationship between the Consumption of Fermented Red Beetroot Juice and Levels of Perfluoroalkyl Substances in the Human Body's Fluids and Blood Parameters.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a group of fluorinated, organic, man-made chemicals; they do not occur naturally in the environment. This study aimed to determine the profile and content of PFASs in the volunteers' blood plasma and urine after the consumption of fermented red beetroot juice and then correlated it with the blood parameters. Over 42 days, 24 healthy volunteers ingested 200 mL/60 kg of body weight of fermented red beetroot juice. PFASs were analyzed using the micro-HPLC-MS/MS method. Five perfluoroalkyl substances were found in the volunteers' body fluids. After consuming the juice, it was discovered that regarding the perfluorocarboxylic acids, a downward trend was observed, while regarding the perfluoroalkane sulfonates, and their plasma content showed a statistically significant upward trend. Analysis of the hematology parameters indicated that the intake of fermented red beetroot juice showed a significant decrease in mean corpuscular volume (MCV), platelets concentration, mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet large cell ratio (P-LCR) at the significance level p < 0.01, and hematocrit (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the dietary intervention also indicated a significant (p < 0.01) increase in corpuscular/cellular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). In the case of blood biochemistry, no significant change was observed in the blood samples after the intake of the fermented beetroot juice. However, a decreasing tendency of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein concentration (LDL-C) was observed. Based on the presented results, there is a need to analyze and monitor health-promoting food regarding undesirable substances and their impact on consumer health.

Characteristics of contaminants in the polish-origin bee products and cancer risk assessment.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentration of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), furfural, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and pesticide residues, as well as assessment of cancer risk of the Polish-origin bee products. The bee product samples were prepared using a modified QuEChERS method, then PAHs and pesticides were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), neonicotinoids by high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD), and HMF and furfural by spectrophotometry (HPLC-UV/Vis). The results showed that the highest furfural content was found in bee bread from the northeast part of Poland; moreover, samples obtained from the same region were also characterized with a higher level of HMF. The total sum of PAHs ranged from 324.0 to 866.4 µg/kg; the highest content of PAH4 (the sum of benzo[a]anthracene, chrysene, benzo[b]fluoranthene and benzo[a]pyrene) was 21.0 µg/kg, but only benzo[a]anthracene and chrysene were detected in the samples. Imidacloprid and acetamiprid were found only in bee bread from the northeast part of Poland, while clothianidin was detected in honey samples. The acceptable cancer risk has been calculated for PAHs due to ingestion of honey, while increasing the risk of cancer was calculated for bee bread and bee pollen. Due to the high concentration of PAHs and excessively high recommended consumption dose, regular consumption of bee bread and pollen may pose a severe threat to human health and should be strictly limited.

Levels of Contamination by Pesticide Residues, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), and 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in Honeys Retailed in Europe.

Honey is consumed worldwide because of its nutritional, therapeutic and medicinal properties. Generally, honey should reach the consumer in a pure form, but it is often contaminated in various ways. Thus, this study was designed to check for the presence of pesticide residues, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) levels, and the content of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in selected European honeys (26 samples) obtained from shops. The most frequently detected organochlorine pesticide (OCPs) was 4,4'-DDD, which was found in fourteen honey samples. Slovakian rapeseed honey was most polluted due to the presence of eight OCPs. The presence of organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) was detected in all the analysed samples, and at least one OP in each tested sample exceeded the acceptable limit. PAHs were detected in most of the analysed samples. As for PAH4s, benzo[a]pyrene was found in forest honey from Slovakia and in Polish lime tree honey, whereas wild flower honey from the UK contained the highest level of PAH4. The investigated honeys from Spain and France met the requirements for HMF content, while honeys of Slovak, Italian and Polish origin in most cases exceeded the established levels (40 mg/kg).

Level of contamination with deoxynivalenol, zearalenone and fumonisins in cereal products - assessment of consumer exposure.

OBJECTIVE: The main aim of this study was to determine the content of mycotoxins, such as: deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEA) and fumonisins (FUM) in cereal products, and such products intended for infants. The secondary objective was to assess consumer exposure to the DON, ZEA and FUM occurring in cereal products, including those intended for infants and young children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included cereals and cereal products such as flours, grits, pastas, products of the bakery industry, snacks and cereal products intended for infants and young children, available in retail outlets in the Malopolska Province of Poland. DON content was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with a DAD detector, while the contents of ZEA and FUM were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. RESULTS: The determined concentration of mycotoxins exceeded the maximum level specified in food law in only two cases. DON level in maize flour was 1511.0 µg kg-1 and exceeded the maximal residue level (MRL) set at 750.0 µg kg-1. The value of MRL for ZEA was over the permissible value of 75.0 µg kg-1 in the maize flour sample only, and was 212.0 µg kg-1. None of the samples examined was beyond the permissible level of FUM. CONCLUSIONS: Levels higher than those permissible for the examined cereal products were noted in only two cases. FUMs were the most commonly found Fusarium mycotoxins, followed by DON and ZEA. The mean exposure doses of the assessed mycotoxins, resulting from the consumption of cereal products in the selected populations, were at low levels (reaching a maximum of 6.81%) and did not exceed the tolerable daily intake (TDI) or provisional maximum tolerable daily intake (PMTDI). Therefore, the observed average chronic exposure dose not pose a health risk to consumers.

Perfluoroalkyl Substance Contamination Levels of Pike (Esox lucius L.) and Roach (Rutilus rutilus L.) from Selected Masurian Lakes in Eastern Europe.

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are of increased concern because of their bioaccumulation in humans and the biota, the health risk they pose to humans and other animals, and their persistence in the environment. In the present study, the occurrence of PFAS in selected tissues from pike (Esox lucius L.) and roach (Rutilus rutilus L.) collected from two lakes in the Masurian Lake District (Poland) in eastern Europe was addressed. Ten PFAS were analyzed in the tissue of the brain, liver, kidneys, gonads, and muscles by micro-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Only perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid, and perfluorodecanoic acid were detected above the limit of quantification. Concentrations in pike and roach from Elckie Lake and Hancza Lake were estimated to be 14/27 and 4.4/3.2 ng/g wet weight, respectively. The contributions of PFOS and PFOA to the sum of PFAS calculated for particular tissues for each fish species were higher than those of the other analyzed compounds: PFOS was found to be predominant in fish from Elckie Lake, whereas PFOA predominated in fish from Hancza Lake. It was noted that PFAS concentrations in tissues declined in the following order: kidney > gonads ≈ brain > liver > muscle. The sum of the greatest estimated PFAS concentration was 9.7 ng/g wet weight in kidneys of pike collected from Hancza Lake. No correlation was noted between PFAS concentration and fish size. The information provided in our study gives a better understanding of the potential dependencies in PFAS distribution and accumulation in biota. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:3317-3327. © 2021 SETAC.

Effect of cereal products supplementation with american blueberries, cranberries and cinnamon on the formation of type A and B trichothecenes group.

INTRODUCTION: Mycotoxins - secondary mould metabolites with undesirable effects for humans - are common in the environment. These toxins are mainly produced by fungi of the genera Penicilium, Aspergillus and Fusarium. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of various sources of antioxidants (blueberries lyophilisate, cranberries lyophilisate and cinnamon powder), at 5 different concentrations (3%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%), to inhibit the formation of mycotoxins during the storage of cereal products. Analysed cereal samples included selected cereal grains, bran and cereal products intended for consumption by children. RESULTS: The results showed that supplementation of oat brans with the highest concentrations of blueberry lyophilisate resulted in a significant decrease in the mycotoxins levels; specifically: 20% concentration reduced the level of HT-2 toxin by 10.7% in one sample, while 30% concentration reduced it by 9.4% and 17.4% in 2 other samples. A similar result was measured for oat bran samples supplemented with the cranberry lyophilisate: specifically, 20% concentration significantly reduced the level of HT-2 toxin by 10.6% in one sample, while 30% concentration reduced it by an average of 18.0% ± 6,0% in 5 other samples. Finally, cinnamon powder supplementation caused a significant reduction in HT-2 levels in all stored samples, even at its lowest concentration. 30% supplementation resulted in HT-2 reduction in cereal samples by 67.1% - 76.1%, in wheat bran samples by 57.5% - 69.2%, in oat bran samples by 83.4% - 87.0% and by 55.0% - 100% in samples of cereal products intended for consumption by children. CONCLUSIONS: Natural products used in the experiment (blueberry, cranberry, cinnamon) inhibited the formation of mycotoxins from the group of trichothecenes.

Determination of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in fats and oils by QuEChERS/micro-HPLC-MS/MS.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are man-made chemicals that have been identified as global pollutants. Their widespread occurrence, including in food, is a potential concern for consumers. This work focuses on the application of a simple and reliable analytical method for the simultaneous determination of ten perfluoroalkyl acids in highly complex fatty matrices (fats and oils). The perfluoroalkyl substances were extracted by the QuEChERS method, based on the dispersive-Solid Phase Extraction using styrene-divinylbenzene bulk sorbent, and quantitatively analysed by micro-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Recoveries ranged from 72 to 104% with an acceptable relative standard deviation below 10%. Limits of quantification were within the range 0.002-0.075 ng/g depending on the perfluoroalkyl compound. The most predominant compound in fat and oil food samples was perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) with a detection frequency of 100%, and the highest levels were found for perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA). The estimated exposure to PFOA, which was 46% and 19% of the existing TWI for the EU and Polish population, respectively, is relatively high and indicates a potential risk to human health.

Pulp obtained after isolation of starch from red and purple potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) as an innovative ingredient in the production of gluten-free bread.

Starch based gluten-free bread (formulations containing mixture of corn and potato starch with hydrocolloids) are deficient in nutrients and do not contain health promoting compounds. Therefore they could be supplemented with raw materials rich in such components, especially antioxidants. Among them pseudo-cereals, seeds, fruits and vegetables are often applied to this purpose. Potato pulp produced by processing red fleshed (Magenta Love) and purple fleshed (Violetta) varieties could become a new innovative substrate for gluten-free bread enrichment, because of high levels of endogenous polyphenols, namely flavonoids, flavonols, phenolic acids and especially anthocyanins with high antioxidant potential, as well as dietary fiber. Study material consisted of gluten-free bread enriched in the pulp. Dietary fiber, acrylamide content and antioxidant and antiradical potential of the bread were determined. Sensory evaluation included crumb elasticity, porosity and other characteristics, taste and smell. Among all analyzed gluten-free breads, the sample containing 7.5% share of freeze-dried red potato pulp Magenta Love was characterized by high content of phenolic compounds and dietary fiber, pronounced antioxidant activity, low levels of potentially dangerous acrylamide and good physical and sensory characteristics. Therefore such an addition (7.5% Magenta Love) could be recommended for industrial production of gluten-free bread.

Dietary acrylamide exposure from traditional food products in Lesser Poland and associated risk assessment.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Acrylamide (AA) is a carcinogenic and genotoxic food contaminant occurring in carbohydrate-rich foods produced at high cooking temperatures. The aim of the study was to determine the importance of AA exposure with respect to traditional food and to assess the associated risks. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 165 food samples were collected from local markets in Lesser Poland. The participants enrolled in the study were 500 residents: (males - 179, females - 321) who had purchased food from local markets. Exposure of the participants to AA was assessed by combining the analytical AA results with data on the individual consumption of traditional foods. Risk assessment of AA exposure from traditional foods was estimated and the margin of exposure (MOE) values were calculated. RESULTS: The highest mean AA level was measured in pretzels (92 µg kg -1), followed by bagels (74.81 µg kg-1) and pork paté (59.56 µg kg-1). The average and 95th percentile values of AA exposure were 0.213 and 0.458 [µg kg-1 body weight (BW) day-1]. The calculated values of MOE for the average [798 and 2,019 for both benchmark dose lower confidence limit (BMDL) 0.17 and 0.43 mg kg-1 BW day-1] and 95th percentile AA exposure values (371 and 939 for both BMDL 0.17and 0.43 mg kg -1 BW day-1) suggest that there is a health concern with respect to adult residents. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study confirm the general recommendation to the consumers, especially certain population groups, to eat a balanced healthy diet and to limit the amount of baked cereal products and fried products.

Effect of storage conditions on the formation of type A and B trichothecenes in cereal products.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Mycotoxins are toxic metabolites produced by certain types of fungi, causing pathological changes in humans and animals. The aim of this study was to assess the degree of contamination of selected cereal grains, bran and cereal products intended for children, with mycotoxins using GCxGC-TOF-MS technique. The study involved mycotoxins belonging to the type A and B trichothecenes group, including T-2 toxin (T-2), HT-2 toxin (HT-2), scirpenol (SCI), 15-monoacetoxyscirpenol (15-MAS), diacetoxyscirpenol (DAS), triacetoxyscirpenol (TAS), fusarenon-X (FUS-X), nivalenol (NIV), deoxynivalenol (DON), 3-acetyl-DON (3-Ac-DON), 15-acetyl-DON (15-Ac-DON). The study also assessed the effect of conditions in which the samples were stored, including temperature (6°C and 28°C) and time (14 and 28 days), on fungal growth and mycotoxin production. Among all studied compounds, only DAS and HT-2 toxins were detected in tested samples, with the exception of products intended for children. Measured HT-2 mycotoxin content in tested samples was in the range 83.9 - 196.4 µg kg -1. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Experiments with storage conditions showed a statistically significant increase in the HT-2 toxin level after 14 days of storage in all samples, irrespective of temperature. Prolonged storage (additional 14 days) did not cause significant changes in the HT-2 content. Further analyses showed a statistically significant effect of storage temperature on HT-2 toxin levels only in cereal products intended for children after both 14 and 28 days. Interestingly, lower temperature (6°C) was more optimal then higher temperature (28°C) for the HT-2 toxin production. No significant effect of storage temperature on HT-2 level was observed for cereal grains and bran.

The perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) contamination of fruits and vegetables.

Fruit and vegetables play a major role in human nutrition due to richness of nutrients, dietary fibre, and phytochemicals. As dietary intake is identified as one of the dominant exposure pathways to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), a cross-sectional study involving determination of their levels in food of plant origin has been conducted. Locally-grown and imported fruit and vegetable samples, collected in 2016 were inspected for 10 perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) using QuEChERS as sample pre-treatment procedure followed by micro-HPLC-MS/MS. Three of 10 target analytes, perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) were quantitatively determined. The detection frequency for PFASs across the 55 samples analysed was less than 10%. The major contributor of the total PFASs concentration in the investigated group was PFBA for which the concentration, reported only for banana, apple and orange samples, was 50.740 ng g-1 ww. The most often detected compound was PFOA. The origin and growing region are possible factors with the potential to influence PFASs distribution profile and their levels in food.

Analysis of acrylamide, 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol, its esters and glycidyl esters in carbohydrate-rich products available on the Polish market

Background: Carbohydrate-rich foods, such as breakfast products, snacks and biscuits because of its nutritional or sensory qualities are an inherent part of human diet. However, their production might contribute to the formation of acrylamide, 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) and its esters and glycidyl esters. Objective: The aim of this work was to assess the levels of acrylamide, free and bound 3-MCPD and glycidyl esters in selected carbohydrate-rich, thermal processed products, present on the market in Poland in 2016-2017. Material and Methods: The survey involved 60 samples of snacks, breakfast products and biscuits. Acrylamide and free 3-MCPD was determined using modified QuEChERS approach. Analysis of 3-MCPD and glycidyl esters was based on the acid-catalysed method of sample preparation, derivatisation with PBA and GC-MS analysis. Results: Free 3-MCPD contents were within the values of 9.3-63.3 µg kg-1, with the highest mean content for muesli (33.3 µg kg-1), and the lowest for baby biscuits (11.7 µg kg-1). The levels of bound 3-MCPD were higher (from 9.3 µg kg-1 to 1500 µg kg-1). The highest average content was observed for sugar free biscuits (599 µg kg-1), whereas the lowest for breakfast cereals (50.2 µg kg-1). Glycidyl esters were detected only in four samples with the highest content at the level of 28.8 µg kg-1. The acrylamide levels varied from 195 to 1352 µg kg-1, with the highest content for organic biscuit samples (913 µg kg-1), and the lowest for muesli (348 µg kg-1). Conclusions: Regular consumption of popular snacks such as potato chips, crackers and biscuits may result in risk to human health as the effect of high content of acrylamide or 3-MCPD. Due to a high level of these contaminants detected in some type of breakfast products, and products targeted for children, its consumption should be restricted, especially in younger population groups.

Development of a new analytical method for the determination of red beetroot betalains using dispersive solid-phase extraction.

The objective of this study was to develop a method for the determination of red beetroot betalains based on the dispersive solid-phase extraction and modified QuEChERS methods followed by micro-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with a mass spectrometer that was equipped with a quadrupole and time-of-flight detector. Currently, new techniques for the extraction of the pigments are necessary and in this study, an extraction of beetroot betalains based on the QuEChERS method was developed for the first time. Twelve variants of the methods with different sorbent combinations were tested. The extraction with 15% methanol and with 0.05% formic acid was performed as a reference method to compare the obtained results. In all of the samples with the addition of sorbents, a lower noise was demonstrated in the obtained results. The betalain concentrations obtained using the tested methods were 0.32-0.54 mg g(-1) , while the value of the reference method was 0.44 mg g(-1) . The method that used the strong ion exchange sorbent (0.44±0.05 mg g(-1) ) was the most adequate in terms of analyzed content, related standard deviation value and interference compared to the reference method. It was concluded that the properly modified QuEChERS method can be successfully applied for the determination of red beetroot betalains.

Levels of Contamination by Perfluoroalkyl Substances in Honey from Selected European Countries.

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are man-made chemicals manufactured for numerous applications. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of 10 PFASs in selected types of honey samples from selected eastern, northern and southern European countries. A total of 26 samples of honey were analyzed. PFCAs (perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids) were detected in almost all (92 %) analyzed samples in the range of 0.124-0.798 ng g(-1) ww (wet weight). The average concentrations of particular PFCAs (ng g(-1) ww) in honey samples increased in the following order: perfluorononanoic acid (0.164) < perfluorooctanoic acid (0.189) < perfluoroheptanoic acid (0.271) < perfluorodecanoic acid (0.278). Amongst perfluoroalkane sulfonates, only perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) was identified in four of 26 analyzed samples, and its concentrations ranged from 0.080 to 0.191 ng g(-1) ww. Italian eucalyptus honey contained the highest total content of PFASs (0.878 ng g(-1) ww). Samples originating from an industrial region of Poland showed 20 % higher concentrations of PFCAs compared to those from non-industrial regions.

In vitro evaluation of the cytotoxicity and modulation of mechanisms associated with inflammation induced by perfluorooctanesulfonate and perfluorooctanoic acid in human colon myofibroblasts CCD-18Co.

Perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are the most notable members of an emerging class of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), poly- and perfluoroalkyl acids (PFASs). In this study, the CCD-18Co myofibroblasts were selected as a cell model to investigate the cytotoxic effects of PFOS and PFOA. The aim was to perform an in vitro evaluation of the ability of these compounds to induce cytotoxicity and modulate mechanisms associated with inflammation as measured by (i) colon fibroblasts viability, (ii) colon fibroblasts proliferation, and (iii) IL-6 production. The data provided in this study suggest that PFOS and PFOA can have cytotoxic potential and modulate processes associated with intestinal inflammation such as myofibroblasts proliferation and IL-6 production at concentrations similar to those detected in vivo. Our results also highlight the influence of culture serum concentration in cytotoxic in vitro studies, which should be considered in future toxicity studies involving PFOS and PFOA. The results contribute to a better knowledge of the effects of PFOS and PFOA in human cells, a phenomenon still not fully examined.

Determination of perfluorinated sulfonate and perfluorinated acids in tissues of free-living European beaver (castor fiber L.) by d-SPE/ micro-UHPLC-MS/MS.

Perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are the main representatives of an rising class of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), perfluorochemicals (PFCs). In this study, determination of selected PFCs concentration in liver, brain, tail, adipose and peritoneum tissues of free-living European beaver (Castor fiber L.) was addressed. Tissue samples, collected from beavers living in Masurian Lakeland (NE Poland), were analyzed by dispersive Solid Phase Extraction (d-SPE) with micro-UHPLC-MS/MS system. In a group of ten selected pefrluorinated compounds only two perfluorinated acids (PFOA and PFNA) and one perfluorinated sulfonate (PFOS) were quantified. PFOA was detected in all analysed tissue samples in both female and male beavers in a range from 0.55 to 0.98ngg(-1) ww whereas PFOS was identified in all analyzed female beaver tissues and only in liver, subcutaneous adipose and peritoneum tissues of male beavers at the concentration level from 0.86 to 5.08ngg(-1) ww. PFNA was only identified in female beaver tissues (liver, subcutaneous adipose and peritoneum) in a range from 1.50 to 6.61ngg(-1) ww. This study demonstrated the bioaccumulation of PFCs in tissue samples collected from beavers living in area known as green lungs of Poland. The results provided in this study indicate for the increasing risk of PFCs occurrence in the environment and the level of PFCs in tissue of free-living European beavers may serve as bioindicator of environmental pollution by these compounds.

Comparison of different modifications on QuEChERS sample preparation method for PAHs determination in black, green, red and white tea.

The aim of this work was the evaluation of QuEChERS extraction method for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) determination in various types of tea. In the experiment, different kinds of extraction solvents, sorbents and a final method of sample preparation were compared. The final extracts were analysed by gas chromatography-selected ion monitoring-mass spectrometry. The results suggest that acetonitrile extraction, clean up with SAX and final liquid-liquid extraction was the best combination giving the most purified extracts and acceptable compound recoveries for different types of teas. In the study of real samples, compounds belonging to light PAHs were mostly detected, and heavy polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, including benzo[a]pyrene, were not identified in any of samples.

Application of QuEChERS method for simultaneous determination of pesticide residues and PAHs in fresh herbs.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the application of quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe method for simultaneous determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and pesticide residues in fresh herbs. In the experiment two extraction solvents and standard types of sorbents were used. The extracts were analyzed using GC-SIM-MS. The results suggest that acetonitrile is more suitable extraction solvent giving more purified samples and better recovery values (71.6 %-116.9 %) with RSD lower than 15 % for most of the compounds. In real samples pesticides were identified in the samples of parsley, tarragon and lovage. In few samples the pesticide levels exceeded the MRL established by EU.