UNCHAIN SEA: Novel Chromatographic Method for the Analysis of Unconventional Emerging Contaminants in the Black Sea Marine Ecosystem

🌊 UNCHAIN-SEA Project

Novel Chromatographic Method for the Analysis of Unconventional Emerging Contaminants in the Black Sea Marine Ecosystem

Acronym: UNCHAIN-SEA

Funding Program: PN-IV-P7-7.1-PED-2024-0372

Coordinator: National Research and Development Institute for Industrial Ecology – INCD ECOIND

Partner: SC Apel Laser SRL

Project Duration: 2025 – 2027

Budget: 746.162

🔬 Project Overview

The UNCHAIN-SEA project aims to develop, optimize, and validate a novel liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for detecting unconventional emerging contaminants, particularly organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs), in seawater and sediment samples collected along the Romanian Black Sea coast. This project provides an innovative analytical demonstration model for ultra-trace detection of persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic organic pollutants in complex marine matrices, supporting the goals of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and national environmental monitoring programs.

🎯 Project Objectives

Main objective:

To develop, validate, and apply SPE(UAE)–LC-MS/MS analytical methods for the detection of OPFRs in the Black Sea marine ecosystem.

Specific objectives:

1. Optimization of LC-MS/MS parameters for target analytes.
2. Optimization of Solid-Phase Extraction (SPE) procedures for seawater samples.
3. Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE) for sediment samples.
4. Validation of the developed analytical methods according to international guidelines (ICH Q2(R2)).
5. Application of the methods to real environmental samples to assess OPFR occurrence and distribution.

🌍 Scientific and Societal Relevance

Emerging contaminants such as OPFRs are increasingly used in building materials, textiles, electronics, plastics, and furniture as flame retardants and plasticizers.
Due to their persistence and mobility, they reach aquatic environments, including marine ecosystems, where they can cause endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, and neurotoxicity. Currently, no standardized analytical methods exist in Romania for the detection of OPFRs in seawater and marine sediments. UNCHAIN-SEA bridges this analytical gap by delivering validated, selective, and sensitive LC-MS/MS protocols capable of measuring pollutants at ng/L and ng/g levels, supporting evidence-based environmental management.

🧪 Methodological Approach

The project integrates advanced chromatographic and extraction techniques:

• Solid-Phase Extraction (SPE) – for isolating OPFRs from seawater.
• Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE) – for recovering analytes from sediments.
• LC-MS/MS analysis in Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) mode – for specific and quantitative detection at ultra-trace levels.
• Raman spectroscopy – for structural confirmation and complementary compound identification.

🧩 Technological Readiness

• Starting TRL: 2 – proof of concept for LC-MS/MS analytical methods previously developed for wastewater and river water.
• Target TRL after completion: 4 – validated laboratory-scale analytical methods applicable to marine environmental samples.

👩‍🔬 Project Team

Coordinator – INCD ECOIND (Romania):

• Dr. Florentina-Laura Chiriac – Project Leader
• Dr. Vasile-Ion Iancu – Senior Researcher
• Dr. Iuliana-Claudia Păun – Senior Researcher
• Dr. Ionuț-Nicolae Cristea – Senior Researcher
• Dr. Florinela Pîrvu – Senior Researcher
• Dr. Anda-Gabriela Tenea – Postdoctoral Researcher
• Victor-Constantin Cojocaru – Research Assistant

Partner – SC Apel Laser SRL:

• Bogdan Chiricuta – Project Manager
• Dr. Cristian Macovei – Senior Researcher

🧰 Research Infrastructure

All experimental activities are carried out at the Water, Soil and Waste Pollution Control Laboratory of INCD ECOIND, equipped with:

• LC-MS/MS Agilent 1260 Infinity II / 6410B,
• UHPLC-DAD/FLD systems, AutoTrace 280 SPE extractor, ASE 350 Accelerated Solvent Extractor,
• Lyophilizer, TurboVap LV Evaporation System, and Ultrasonic Baths.
  
  

The project partner Apel Laser SRL contributes with a Portable Raman Spectrometer (StellarNet) for spectroscopic confirmation.

🔗 EERTIS Research Infrastructure – ECOIND

📈 Expected Results and Impact

• Two validated SPE(UAE)–LC-MS/MS analytical methods for OPFRs.
• Two ISI publications (cumulative IF > 7).
• Participation in two international environmental conferences.
• A transferable analytical protocol for marine pollution control.
• Strengthened national capacity for emerging contaminant monitoring and compliance with EU directives.

💰 Project Budget

The total project budget amounts to 746.162 RON, covering personnel, logistics, consumables, travel, and dissemination activities necessary for developing and validating the new LC-MS/MS analytical methods.

The budget is distributed across the three implementation stages as follows:

Total Project Budget: 746.162 RON

The allocated budget ensures the completion of all experimental, analytical, and dissemination activities planned throughout the project lifecycle. It supports the acquisition of reagents and consumables, sample collection, conference participation, and publication of scientific results, thus contributing to the achievement of the UNCHAIN-SEA objectives.

🌐 Dissemination and Outreach

Results will be disseminated through:

• The official project webpage
• Scientific publications in ISI journals
• Conference presentations and posters
• Collaboration with national and international research networks

💡 Contact

Project Coordinator:

Dr. Chem. Florentina-Laura Chiriac

Senior Researcher (Grade I) – INCD ECOIND

📧 florentina.chiriac@incdecoind.ro

📍 Bucharest, Romania

🔗 www.incdecoind.ro