Quantitative evaluation of food-relevant heterocyclic aromatic amines in water samples for agricultural and human use. Selective extraction and cancer risk assessment

Abstract

Heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) are organic pollutants originating from several emission sources and pose significant health risks. There is a gap in information regarding their concentration levels in environmental samples. This study presents a novel methodology for the extraction and preconcentration of HAAs in waters. The proposed methodology employs a μSPE strategy followed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry determination. This methodology demonstrated a satisfactory alignment with the principles of green chemistry. The concentrations of HAAs detected ranged from non-detectable levels to 0.15 μg/L in irrigation water samples collected from rural areas, and up to 0.49 μg/L in urban areas. Additionally, drinking and bottled water samples exhibited concentrations ranging from 0.24 to 1.60 μg/L. Significantly lower concentrations of HAAs were observed in mineral water samples. Finally, an analysis of the incremental lifetime cancer risk associated with ingesting HAAs-contaminated water was conducted.