Optimization of multi-residue method for targeted screening and quantification of 216 harmful chemicals in plastic children’s toys by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis

Abstract

Herein, we report a multi–residue method based on dissolution–precipitation extraction combined with gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS) analysis for targeted screening and quantification of 216 harmful chemicals in plastic children’s toys. We established a spectrogram database containing the first-order mass spectra of all analytes and their second-order mass spectra at different collision energies. Good separation was attained in less than 60 min. As a simple and low–cost extraction method, dissolution–precipitation exhibited good recoveries for the analytes in the plastic samples. The matrix–matched standard curves were accurate for analyte quantification in specific plastics due to the solvent effects and matrix effects. The limits of quantification range were 0.1 mg/kg to 10 mg/kg. A wide linear range of 0.1–200 mg/kg was also observed, with r2≥0.9924. The average recoveries ranged from 63.9% to 137.6%, and the relative standard deviation (n = 6) varied from 0.6% to 13.2%. Finally, 31 ABS actual toys and 30 PVC actual toys were detected and 20 analytes with contents ranging from 0.4 mg/kg to 172 mg/kg and 30 analytes from 0.8 mg/kg to 141,030 mg/kg were discovered respectively.