Chitosan-glutaraldehyde graphene oxide aerogel for extraction of polybrominated and -chlorinated carbazoles in lotus root

Halogenated carbazoles (HCZs) are prevalent in sediments, pose a risk of entering the human food chain via lotus roots. However, starch, protein, and fat in lotus root complicate determination of HCZs in this food. This study introduces a straightforward, sensitive, and rapid method for detecting four HCZs in lotus roots. The method employs a conical monolithic extraction column (MEC) containing chitosan-glutaraldehyde-graphene oxide aerogel (CS-GA-GOA) material. The CS-GA-GOA − MEC successfully achieved extraction of four HCZs in spiked lotus root samples in under 5 min. The method was rapid (15 min) compared with alternatives, as well as being sensitivity (0.08–0.27 ng/g), accurate (89.7 %–104.2 %), and more cost-effective. This work contributes to the exploration of advanced adsorbents but also broadens the applicability of graphene oxide aerogels in extraction processes, paving the way for the development of rapid and accurate analytical methods for HCZs in foods.