Current trends in analytical strategies for determination of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in samples with different matrix compositions – Part 1.: Screening of new developments in sample preparation

Abstract

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are ubiquitous compounds in the environment. Restrictions on the use of PBDEs introduced at the beginning of the 21st century have not eliminated these highly persistent and bioaccumulative compounds from the environment. Despite many existing regulations to control and phase out, extensive research on PBDEs is still necessary to fully evaluate the hazard their create to the environment.In most samples PBDEs occur at very low concentrations, which make analysis of these compounds difficult. The choice of an effective technique for the extraction of analytes that allows for their separation from interfering substances and the matrix is an important part of the analytical procedure for PBDEs determination.The paper presents a review of the literature on challenges related to the analysis of PBDEs in samples of different matrix compositions, the latest solutions used for sample preparation and future trends in sample preparation for PBDE analysis.