Determination of linear alkylbenzenes in fish tissue by gel permeation chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

A gel permeation chromatographic (GPC) procedure is described for separation of the long-chain linear alkylbenzenes (LABs) from fish muscle tissues. This technique was found to remove the matrix interference significantly and thereby improve the sensitivity of detection of LABs in the extracts. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was then used to quantitate LABs in different species of fish and also fish from different locations on a transect from the outfalls from the Orange County Sanitation Districts, in the coastal waters of Southern California. The results are consistent with the proximity of the (sewage) source. The data, thus, show that LAB contents in fish tissues, especially that from white croaker (Genyonemus lineatus) are useful in assessing exposure to sewage residues in the marine waters. This method of concentrating LABs by GPC could be applicable to all other similar biological matrices.