Title |
Exploring the Occurrence of Organic Contaminants in Human Semen through an Innovative LC-HRMS-Based Methodology Suitable for Target and Nontarget Analysis
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Published in |
Environmental Science & Technology, November 2023
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DOI | 10.1021/acs.est.3c04347 |
Pubmed ID | |
Authors |
Elena Sánchez-Resino, Montse Marquès, Daniel Gutiérrez-Martín, Esteban Restrepo-Montes, María Ángeles Martínez, Albert Salas-Huetos, Nancy Babio, Jordi Salas-Salvadó, Rubén Gil-Solsona, Pablo Gago-Ferrero |
Abstract |
Understanding the potential impact of organic contaminants on male fertility is crucial, yet limited studies have examined these chemicals in semen, with most focusing on urine and blood. To address this gap, we developed and validated a robust LC-HRMS methodology for semen analysis, with a focus on polar and semipolar chemicals. Our methodology enables the quantitative (or semiquantitative) analysis of >2000 chemicals being compatible with suspect and nontarget strategies and providing unprecedented insights into the occurrence and potential bioaccumulation of diverse contaminants in this matrix. We comprehensively analyzed exogenous organic chemicals and associated metabolites in ten semen samples from Spanish participants collected in an area with a large presence of the chemical industry included in the LED-FERTYL Spanish study cohort. This investigation revealed the presence of various contaminants in semen, including plastic additives, PFAS, flame retardants, surfactants, and insecticides. Notably, prevalent plastic additives such as phthalic acid esters and bisphenols were identified, indicating potential health risks. Additionally, we uncovered previously understudied chemicals like the tire additive 2-mercaptobenzothiazole and specific organophosphate flame retardants. This study showcases the potential of our methodology as a valuable tool for large-scale cohort studies, providing insights into the association between contaminant exposure and the risk of male fertility impairments. |
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Geographical breakdown
Country | Count | As % |
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Iran, Islamic Republic of | 1 | 3% |
Spain | 1 | 3% |
Malaysia | 1 | 3% |
Unknown | 32 | 91% |
Demographic breakdown
Type | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Members of the public | 17 | 49% |
Scientists | 13 | 37% |
Science communicators (journalists, bloggers, editors) | 3 | 9% |
Practitioners (doctors, other healthcare professionals) | 2 | 6% |
Mendeley readers
Geographical breakdown
Country | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Unknown | 13 | 100% |
Demographic breakdown
Readers by professional status | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Student > Ph. D. Student | 4 | 31% |
Student > Bachelor | 1 | 8% |
Lecturer | 1 | 8% |
Student > Postgraduate | 1 | 8% |
Unknown | 6 | 46% |
Readers by discipline | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Environmental Science | 2 | 15% |
Chemistry | 2 | 15% |
Unspecified | 1 | 8% |
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | 1 | 8% |
Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutical Science | 1 | 8% |
Other | 2 | 15% |
Unknown | 4 | 31% |