Due to the complexity of food samples, analysis of PAH
metabolites remains a challenging task. A preconcentration
step, which empowers detection of low concentrations and
interferent removal, is required and often performed through
solid-phase extraction (SPE). Among the analytical methods
described in the scientific literature, reverse-phase sorbents,
such as C18 cartridges, are the most applied in the analysis of
biological, food, and environmental matrices.12,17,21 Moreover,
methods for the simultaneous analysis of different PAH
monohydroxy derivatives are quite limited and concern mainly
matrices such as foodstuffs,17,22-25 and none about cephalopod
samples. Quantitation usually relies on liquid chromatography
with fluorescence detection (LC-FD) or on liquid chromatography
with tandem mass detection (LC-MS-MS).