Analysis of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Fish and Shellfish from the Gulf of Mexico by GC-TOFMS and GCxGC-TOFMS

This poster demonstrates the effective application of one- and two-dimensional gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry for the rapid, sensitive, and accurate detection of PAHs in finfish and shellfish. The benefits of TOFMS, including fast acquisition rates, spectral continuity, and the ability to acquire full mass range spectra without sacrificing speed or sensitivity will be highlighted. To help determine the extent of PAH contamination to the marine life impacted by an oil spill, accurate, rapid, and highly sensitive methods of contaminant detection within these animals must be employed. Such methods may also provide helpful insights into physiological changes observed in marine life exposed to an oil spill.