Fragrances as new environmental contaminants

Fragrance Materials (FMs) are ubiquitous components of household and Personal Care Products (PCPs), whose environmental fate is still largely unknown. We chose 17 among the longest-lasting and more stable fragrance ingredients that are commercially available (Givaudan(R): Amberketal, Ambrofix, Amyl Salicylate, Benzyl Salicylate, Bourgeonal, Dupical, Hexyl Salicylate, Isobutavan, Lemonile, Mefranal, Myraldene, Okoumal, Oranger Crystals, Pelargene, Peonile, Sandalore, Ultravanil) to assess their persistence, distribution and transport in the ecosystem. A new analytical method was developed to quantify FMs in water samples using Oasis HLB SPE followed by HRGC-LRMS (7890A-5975C, Agilent Technologies). The selected fragrances were found as contaminants in the Venice Lagoon: urban sewages largely emit these FMs into the surface seawater, reaching total concentrations higher than -1 in the innermost urban canals [1]. This pilot study reported the first detection in environmental samples for most of the selected FMs. The distribution of these FMs was later studied in the coastal seawater of the Ross Sea, Antarctica [2] and in snow samples from the Svalbard Islands. Local emission of FMs from the research bases was revealed, together with evidences of a long-range atmospheric transport (LRAT) of these substances. These compounds were also detected in open sea areas of the Mediterranean, highlighting the role of mesoscale hydrodynamics and LRAT as key factors [3]. In each of the investigated environments the allergenic and oestrogenic Salicylate compounds resulted in general the most abundant and widespread components, probably due to their large global consumption. These findings support the hypothesis of the environmental persistence of the selected FMs, highlighting future research priorities. [1] M. Vecchiato, S. Cremonese, E. Gregoris, E. Barbaro, A. Gambaro, C. Barbante, Fragrances as new contaminants in the Venice lagoon. Sci Total Environ 566 567 (2016) 1362 1367. [2] M. Vecchiato, E. Gregoris, E. Barbaro, C. Barbante, R. Piazza, A. Gambaro, Fragrances in the seawater of Terra Nova Bay, Antarctica. Sci Total Environ 593 594 (2017) 375 379. [3] M. Vecchiato, C. Turetta, B. Patti, C. Barbante, R. Piazza, T. Bonato, A. Gambaro, Distribution of fragrances and PAHs in the surface seawater of the Sicily Channel, Central Mediterranean. Sci Total Environ 634 (2018) 983 989.