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(M/MF140) Biomimetic extraction as a cost-effective analytical tool for determining the aquatic toxicity hazard of complex petroleum products. Parkerton, T.1, Letkinski, D.1, Febbo, E.1, Davi, R.1, Dzamba, C.1, Connelly, M.1, Christensen, K.1, Peterson, D.1, 1 ABSTRACT- Commercial petroleum products typically consist of complex mixtures of hydrocarbon components that vary considerably with respect to physical chemical properties but act via a common narcotic mode of action in aquatic toxicity tests. Adverse effects of such products are thus expected once the total molar sum of the individual hydrocarbon components in the organism tissue (i.e. Tissue Body Residue) exceeds a critical threshold (i.e. Critical Body Residue). Recent research suggests that solid phase microextraction (SPME) fibers provide a simple analytical tool for estimating the TBR and predicting the effects of narcotic mixtures. To calibrate this approach for commercial petroleum products, acute lethal loading toxicity tests for a variety of aquatic and marine species were performed in parallel with SPME measurements for a model complex hydrocarbon product (No. 2 Fuel Oil). Analytical measurements were based on a CG FID method that yielded an estimate of the total molar hydrocarbon concentration on the SPME fiber. From the observed fiber residue-effect relationship, a critical fiber residue (CFR) for each test species was deduced. Subsequent experiments were then performed to test if CFRs derived from No. 2 Fuel Oil could be used in conjunction with SPME data for other petroleum products to correctly predict aquatic toxicity. Results indicate SPME biomimetic extraction can provide the technical basis to support environmental classification of petroleum products and consequently reduce product-specific toxicity testing costs and avoid unnecessary laboratory animal use. Key words: Biomimetic Extraction, Complex Mixtures, Lethal Loading, SPME |
