Determination of UV Filters and Metabolites in Seafood by HPLC-MS/MS

UV filters (UVFs) are substances utilized to shield against solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation. They are integrated into various everyday products like sunscreens, cosmetics, and even certain industrial items. These compounds are experiencing a growing application due to escalating concerns about the harmful impacts of UV radiation on various skin conditions. UVFs are considered as contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) that persist in aquatic ecosystems due to their physicochemical properties, as well as their widespread and continuous release into the environment. This chapter outlines an analytical method that involves a two-step process for the extraction and analysis of UVFs from seafood such as mussels, oysters, and sea urchins. The first step employs ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) to isolate the UVFs. Then, solid phase extraction (SPE) is employed to purify the extracted samples. Finally, the purified extracts are subjected to analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS).