Method development for the detection of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (ddt) metabolites in meconium using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
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Date
2007
Authors
Abdulhafedh Anaam, Mohammed Saif
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Abstract
DDT is an organochlorine pesticide that was used heavily worldwide in the
1950s and 1960s both in agricultural production and for malaria control. It was
discovered by a Swiss Scientist Dr. Paul Muller in 1942. Concerns about the
impact on wildlife population particularly predatory birds led to the phasing out
of DDT in many countries in the 1970s, but it is still used for malaria control in
some countries.
The aim of this study was to develop a simple, sensitive, and rapid
gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) assay for the quantitation of
DDT metabolites, o,p'-DDE and p,p'-DDE. The analytes and internal standard
(o,p'-DDE C13 and p,p’-DDE C13) were spiked into meconium samples;
sulphuric acid was added, followed by liquid-liquid extraction using hexane and
addition of anhydrous sodium sulfate for drying purposes. The extract was
directly injected into the GC-MS where Selective Ion Monitoring (SIM) mode
was utilized. Calibration curves of the analytes in meconium were established
with linear correlation coefficients (r2) greater than 0.996. The limit of detection
and limit of quantitation for both metabolites were 5 ng/g and 10 ng/g
respectively. The recovery of o,p'-DDE and p,p'-DDE were in the range of
89-96% and 92-97% respectively. Within and between assay accuracy was less
than 15% for the metabolites while within and between assay precision was less
than 10% for these metabolites.
The applicability of the assay was demonstrated in 20 meconium
samples. This assay can be used for the determination of DDT in meconium.
The analysis is useful in determining the chronic exposure of newborns to DDT
during the gestation period. This assay can contribute in studies investigating
DDT- associated inborn errors of metabolism.
Description
Master
Keywords
Science Chemistry , dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane , metabolites , meconium , chromatography-mass spectrometry