- Studies on the presence of certain organic pollutants of concern (PCBs, phenol groups and derivatives containing chlorine, bromine-containing flame retardants, fluorine, endocrine disrupting chemical (steroid chemicals),...) in marine foods

- Investigate the metabolism of some common organic pollutants (EDC, FR, etc.) in the context of processing marine foods with heat and other metabolic-influencing variables.

- Compile information on the amounts of steroid chemicals, chlorophenol, and bromine- and fluorine-containing flame retardants found in Vietnamese marine fish.

- Theoretical results:

+ A method has been developed to determine the content of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCP), and chlorophenol (CP) in fish on GC-MS/MS equipment with high sensitivity and reproducibility. Based on the developed method, the study has built a data set on the content of PCBs, OCPs, and CPs in Vietnamese marine fish in the period 2021–2023. There are differences in pollution profiles of PCBs, OCPs, and CPs among sample collection areas.

+ A highly sensitive and reliable method has been developed to utilize GC-MS/MS modern technology to detect the presence of flame retardants in fish. The study has constructed a data set on the content of flame retardant compounds in Vietnamese marine fish for the years 2021–2023 based on the suggested methodology. The contamination profile of flame-retardant chemicals in Vietnamese marine fish is similar across all sampling areas.

+ A method has been developed to determine the content of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in fish using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry with high sensitivity and reproducibility. Based on the developed method, the study has built a data set on the content of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in Vietnamese marine fish. The collected database reflects differences in the content of these compounds among sample collection areas. In particular, biomagnifications of UV-filter and UV-stabilizer compounds in the Vietnamese marine food web were recorded.

+ Using LC-MS/MS technology, a protocol for assessing domoic acid in fish has been developed. This chemical has not been shown to pose a health risk to humans.

+ A technique to measure the amount of parabens and their metabolites in marine fish has been developed. Methylparaben and ethylparaben chemicals have been observed to exhibit trophic magnification in the Vietnamese marine food web.

+ According to screening results, Vietnamese marine fish have trace levels of toxins in their tissues that may have accumulated during growth or as a result of environmental pollution. Nonetheless, there is no concern for human health from the hazardous substance.

+ Research has been conducted to investigate the impact of food processing, namely heat processing, on the generation and degradation of toxins in marine fish. The thermal stability of toxins necessitates the implementation of pre-processing techniques and careful selection of processing methods in order to mitigate the impact of toxins on human health. Additionally, the study offers suggestions for reducing the occurrence and transformation of harmful substances during thermal processing. Ensuring the quality of marine food and maintaining food hygiene and safety are imperative prerequisites prior to the distribution of marine seafood to customers.

- Applied results:

+ Reference materials for flame-retardant compounds in fish (CT-50, CT-200, and CT-500) have been created. These materials provide precise determination findings, with the Z-score falling within the range of ±2.0. The material exhibits potential utility in the analysis of flame retardant chemicals, which have garnered global attention due to their contribution to contamination in marine food sources.

+ A study has been completed to provide an in-depth pollution profile of both persistent pollutants and emerging contaminants found in marine fish species in Vietnam throughout the period of 2021 to 2023. This study presents the initial assessment of pollution levels in marine fish species within the Vietnamese context.

+ The study has developed methods for analyzing trace levels of toxins in Vietnamese marine fish on GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS equipment with high sensitivity, accuracy, and reproducibility. The developed methods have high potential for application in controlling trace toxic levels in marine fish before reaching consumers. At the same time, developed analytical methods help Vietnamese marine fish overcome strict quality barriers in demanding markets such as the US and Europe, as well as reduce operating costs for businesses exporting.

+ Research has proposed ways to reduce the impact of the formation and metabolism of toxins during food processing. However, improving food quality control capacity is a prerequisite to helping protect consumers' health.

+ The study has shown a correlation between the economic characteristics of each region and the pollution profile of marine fish in the respective region. The data obtained is evidence to help management levels find ways to implement harmonious policies in the exploitation of marine economic sectors.

- Other products (if applicable):

Training (02 Masters)

+ MSc. Nguyen Thi Nguyet Linh, graduated in 2022, at Graduate University of Science and Technology (GUST); Major: Analytical chemistry

+ MSc. Phung Thi Anh Tuyet, graduated in 2023, at Graduate University of Science and Technology (GUST); Major: Analytical chemistry