Pine needles as passive bio-samplers to determine polybrominated diphenyl ethers

Eight polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were determined in pine needles of three species (Pinus halepensis, Pinus pinea and Pinus nigra) collected in the NE Spain in an attempt to use this matrix for the biomonitoring of airborne PBDEs. The method used was based in ultrasonic extraction followed by alumina and Florisil clean-up and determination by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry in negative chemical ionization. Recoveries were between 99% and 138%, limits of detection between 0.011 and 0.070 ng g−1-dw (0.232 ng g−1-dw for BDE 209) and repeatability lower than 13%. PBDE levels ranged between 0.027 ng g−1-dw and 13.04 ng g−1-dw, with predominance of BDE 209, followed by BDEs 47. P. halepensis was the species with the highest PBDE levels and P. nigra, the least, according to their widespread and remote distribution, respectively. The presence of PBDEs in pine needles was attributed to the release of in-use PBDEs, transport through atmosphere and adsorption upon lipid rich pine needles. Given the easy collection of pine needles, its ample distribution and its potential to accumulate airborne contaminants, this matrix is proposed as passive bio-sampler to be used in PBDE monitoring programs.CapsulePine needles can be used to biomonitor airborne PBDEs.

► Pine needles are able to trap air-borne PBDEs.
► GC-NCI-MS permits the identification of PBDEs with high sensitivity.
► PBDEs were detected at 0.07-13 ng/g dw in pine needles from 3 species.
► Pine needles can be used as passive bio-samplers of PBDEs.