Determination by HRGC/HRMS of PBDE levels in edible Mediterranean bivalves collected from north-western Adriatic coasts

•PBDEs in bivalves from north-western Adriatic Sea were studied for the first time.•HRMS was used to determine Σ14PBDEs simultaneously, including BDE-209.•Some edible samples have levels higher than those sampled from a contaminated area.•Levels of PBDEs were higher than those reported for other Mediterranean areas.

This study provides information on edible marine species sampled from the north-western coast of the Adriatic Sea. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were detected in bivalves of two different species (Mytilus galloprovincialis and Ruditapes philippinarum). The samples were treated by pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) and analyzed by high-resolution gas chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRGC/HRMS).There are only a few studies about PBDE levels in edible bivalves from the Italian coast, and this is the first time that bivalve species from the north-western Adriatic area are used for screening PBDEs. The total concentrations ranged from 0.003 ng g− 1 wet weight (ww) to 6.66 ng g −1, with strong variations within the same sampling site. No significant differences between species were found. Moreover, the results showed that it is important to determine BDE-209, which is often neglected.The concentrations of PBDEs reported here are relatively higher than those reported for the Mediterranean area. Considering the potentially toxic effects of PBDEs and the lack of specific legislation, this study emphasizes the need to further investigate these compounds and to establish maximum levels in foodstuff.