Evaluation of the performance of a multiresidue gas chromatographic method for the determination of aliphatic hydrocarbons in mussels of Galicia (N.W. Spain)

The determination of aliphatic hydrocarbons in blue mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) was performed using a multiple component extraction method and temperature-programmed capillary GC using splitless injection mode and flame ionization detection. Calculated recoveries for the overall procedure to give concentrations of the different aliphatic hydrocarbons in the low level end (ca 10 μg/ml) of the calibration range (2–200 μg/ml) ranged from 70 to 92% [coefficients of variation (CVs) 9–20%]. Limits of detection for the overall procedure were between 40 and 60 ng/g of sample (extraction concentration factor 25 g/ml) and GC-FID determination precision was good (CVs 1–4%). Aliphatic hydrocarbon levels in mussels in Galicia were similar to those found in areas generally considered unpolluted.