We describe a non-targeted analytical method and data reporting system designed to identify previously unrecognized contaminants in sentinel species for marine contaminants. The method used comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC�GC/TOF-MS), and was tested by characterizing a broad array of non-polar, persistent and bioaccumulative contaminants in the blubber of dolphins from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Custom software was developed to compile and organize the mass spectra and ancillary information into libraries, and to provide mechanisms for data sharing. We identified compounds belonging to multiple chemical classes, including anthropogenic contaminants that are not typically monitored and halogenated natural products. The non-targeted analytical method and data reporting system is a framework for creating a comprehensive inventory of persistent and bioaccumulative compounds, with the future goal of suggesting new marine contaminants for targeted monitoring and risk assessment.

Non-targeted GC[times]GC/TOF-MS method for inventorying persistent and bioaccumulative contaminants in marine environments

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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