Presence of emerging contaminants in the feed used for salmon farming

Abstract

In the present work, a study is made on the possible contaminants that salmon feed has nowadays. In some cases, the feed can be made of animal origin. In some other cases the feed can be obtained for vegetable sources, with some variations generated in the origin, but with the same effect; even reaching sometimes, the lack of control over the feed. So the control of the salmon feed is essential for the healthy living of these animals and in some way for the people in general, as we are consumers of such species. Seventeen samples of different feed were analyzed in this investigation. All samples showed many differences in their physical aspect. The samples were analyzed by ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography coupled to hybrid quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC- (Q) TOF MS). A wide-scope screening was carried out giving the large number of pesticides that has been included, due to a higher sensitivity. This technique provides an immediate and efficient response by detecting and identifying such compounds, based on their valuable analytical data, as it provides sensitive and broad-spectrum MS data with high resolution and mass accuracy.