Development of HPLC-DAD method for determination of neonicotinoids in honey

Salting-Out Assisted Liquid-Liquid Microextraction and Reverse-Phase Chromatographic Quantification of Two Neonicotinoid Insecticides from Fruits and Vegetables

The present monograph describes the salting-out assisted liquid-liquid microextraction (SALLME) and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector (RP-HPLC-DAD) based quantification of two frequently applied neonicotinoid insecticides, i.e., acetamiprid (ACE) and imidacloprid (IMD), from selected tropical fruits (citrus and guava) and vegetables (tomato, okra and cauliflower). The SALLME conditions like pH, liquid/solid ratio and salt ratio (NaCl/Na2SO4) were varied over a wide range of conditions for the enhanced recovery of IMD and ACE from spiked quality control (low, high and medium) of fruits and vegetables. Meanwhile, RP-HPLC-DAD quantification of IMD and ACE was found to be linear over 1-100 μg/L with the coefficient of determination (R2) value ≥0.997 and slope of the calibration curve (sensitivity) ≥2.3 × 104 peak area unit (μAu). The analysis of selected fruits and vegetables after 0 (1 h), 1, 3, 7, 10 and 14 days of foliar application revealed the presence of IMD and ACE residues in okra and guava higher than maximum residual limits set by the Codex Alimentarius Commission until the third day of spray. Overall, the SALLME-RP-HPLC-DAD was found to be a rapid, selective and expedient choice for the routine analysis of neonicotinoids in environmental and food commodities.

Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Detection of Human and Veterinary Drugs and Pesticides in Surface Water

Antibiotics and pesticides are widespread in most rivers and lakes due to the overuse of antibiotics and pesticides, but there are few methods for simultaneous analysis of antibiotics and pesticides in aquatic environments. To address this knowledge gap, a concise and sensitive analytical method is proposed in which three classes of human and veterinary drugs (sulfonamides, macrolides, and hormones) and two classes of pesticides (organophosphorus and neonicotinoids) are simultaneously extracted and determined in surface water. The solid-phase extraction column with Cleanert PEP-2 was preconditioned sequentially with 6 mL of methanol, ultrapure water, and citric acid buffer (pH 3.0) each for simultaneous extraction and further purification. The forty-seven target analytes were analysed by LC-MS/MS in positive and negative ion modes. The LC separation was performed using a Sigma-Aldrich C18 column with 0.1% formic acid in water and acetonitrile as a gradient eluting mobile phase in positive ion mode. The internal standard method was used to overcome the inevitable matrix effects in LC-MS/MS analysis. The matrix effects of most target analytes were in the range of 27-151%. The recoveries of forty analytes in the three concentrations (10, 50, and 100 ng L-1) of surface water spiked samples ranged from 41 to 127%. The method quantitative limits of the analytes were in the range of 0.40-5.49 ng L-1. Application of the method to analyze samples in the eight runoff outlets of the Pearl River Delta showed that some antibiotics and pesticides were detected, and the concentration of parathion was as high as 154 ng L-1. A powerful tool for quickly and efficiently screening for contaminants in surface water has been presented.

Imidacloprid: Impact on Africanized Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae) workers and honey contamination

Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae) is fundamental in the production chain, ensuring food diversity through the ecosystem service of pollination. The aim of this work was to evaluate the impact of imidacloprid, orally, topically, and by contact, on A. mellifera workers and to verify the presence of this active ingredient in honey. Toxicity levels were verified by bioassays. In bioassay 1, the levels correspond to the percentages of 100, 10, 1, 0.1, and 0.01% of the recommended concentration for field application of the commercial product Nortox® (active ingredient imidacloprid), with which we obtained the mean lethal concentration (LC50) in 48 h for A. mellifera, determining the concentration ranges to be used in the subsequent bioassays. Bioassays 2 and 3 followed the guidelines of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, which specify the LC50 (48 h). In bioassay 4, the LC50 (48 h) and the survival rate of bees for a period of 120 h were determined by contact with a surface contaminated with imidacloprid, and in bioassay 5, the interference of the insecticide with the flight behavior of bees was evaluated. Honey samples were collected in agroecological and conventional georeferenced apiaries and traces of the imidacloprid were detected by means of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-UV) with extraction by SPE C18. Bee survival was directly affected by the concentration and exposure time, as well behavioral performance, demonstrating the residual effect of imidacloprid on A. mellifera workers. Honey samples from a conventional apiary showed detection above the maximum residue limits (MRL) allowed by the European Union (0.05 μg mL-1), but samples from other apiaries showed no traces of this insecticide. Imidacloprid affects the survival rate and behavior of Africanized A. mellifera and honey quality.

Analytical Methods Based on Liquid Chromatography and Capillary Electrophoresis to Determine Neonicotinoid Residues in Complex Matrices. A Comprehensive Review

Neonicotinoids (NNIs) are neuro-active and systemic insecticides widely used to protect crops from pest attack. During the last decades, there has been an increase concern about their uses and toxic effects, especially to beneficial and non-target insects such as pollinators. To assess potential health hazards and the environmental impacts derived from NNIs uses, a great variety of analytical procedures for the determination of their residues and their metabolites at trace level in environmental, biological and food samples have been reported. Due to the complexity of the samples, efficient sample pretreatment methods have been developed, which include mostly clean-up and preconcentration steps. On the other hand, among the analytical techniques used for their determination, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to ultraviolet (UV) or mass spectrometry (MS) detection is the most widely used, although capillary electrophoresis (CE) has also been employed in the last years, considering some improvements in sensitivity when coupling with new MS detectors. In this review, we present a critical overview of analytical methods based on HPLC and CE reported in the last decade, discussing relevant and innovative sample treatments for the analysis of environmental, food and biological samples.

Neonicotinoid Analysis in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) Honey Samples Collected around Tekirdag in Turkey

In recent years, the widespread use of neonicotinoids in agricultural areas has caused environmental pollution due to its lower toxicity to mammals. Honey bees, which are considered as biological indicators of environmental pollution, can carry these pollutants to the hives. Forager bees returning from sunflower crops that have been treated with neonicotinoids treated sunflower fields cause residue accumulation in the hives, which reason colony-level adverse effects. This study analyses neonicotinoid residues in sunflower (Helianthus annuus) honey sampled by beekeepers from Tekirdag province. Honey samples have been subjected to liquid-liquid extraction methods before liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The method validation was carried out to fulfill all the necessary requirements of procedures SANCO/12571/2013. Accuracy was in the range of 93.63–108.56%, for recovery in the range of 63.04–103.19%, and for precision in the range 6.03–12.77%. Detection and quantification limits were determined according to the maximum residue limits of each analyte. No neonicotinoid residues were found above the maximum residue limit in the sunflower honey samples analysed.

Nanofibrous Online Solid-Phase Extraction Coupled with Liquid Chromatography for the Determination of Neonicotinoid Pesticides in River Waters

Polymeric nano- and microfibers were tested as potential sorbents for the extraction of five neonicotinoids from natural waters. Nanofibrous mats were prepared from polycaprolactone, polyvinylidene fluoride, polystyrene, polyamide 6, polyacrylonitrile, and polyimide, as well as microfibers of polyethylene, a polycaprolactone nano- and microfiber conjugate, and polycaprolactone microfibers combined with polyvinylidene fluoride nanofibers. Polyimide nanofibers were selected as the most suitable sorbent for these analytes and the matrix. A Lab-In-Syringe system enabled automated preconcentration via online SPE of large sample volumes at low pressure with analyte separation by HPLC. Several mat layers were housed in a solvent filter holder integrated into the injection loop of an HPLC system. After loading 2 mL sample on the sorbent, the mobile phase eluted the retained analytes onto the chromatographic column. Extraction efficiencies of 68.8–83.4% were achieved. Large preconcentration factors ranging from 70 to 82 allowed reaching LOD and LOQ values of 0.4 to 1.7 and 1.2 to 5.5 µg·L⁻¹, respectively. Analyte recoveries from spiked river waters ranged from 53.8% to 113.3% at the 5 µg·L⁻¹ level and from 62.8% to 119.8% at the 20 µg·L⁻¹ level. The developed methodology proved suitable for the determination of thiamethoxam, clothianidin, imidacloprid, and thiacloprid, whereas matrix peak overlapping inhibited quantification of acetamiprid.

Development of an isotope dilution liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry method for the accurate determination of neonicotinoid pesticides, imidacloprid, clothianidin, and thiamethoxam in kimchi cabbage reference materials

A method based on isotope dilution liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (ID-LC/MS/MS) was established as a candidate reference method for accurate determination of neonicotinoid pesticides, imidacloprid, clothianidin, and thiamethoxam in kimchi cabbage. Their deuterated isotopes, imidacloprid-d4, chlothianidin-d3, and thiamethoxam-d4 were used as internal standards. The combination of HLB and Carb solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridges was used to clean-up kimchi cabbage extracts. The ID-LC/MS/MS conditions were optimized with fortified kimchi cabbage samples for validation. Imidacloprid in the ERM-BC403 cucumber sample (0.627 ± 0.026) mg/kg was analyzed with the developed method, and the measured value (0.604 ± 0.028) mg/kg agreed within their uncertainties. The developed method was employed for the certification of kimchi cabbage reference materials prepared in this laboratory. The measured values of imidacloprid, clothianidin, and thiamethoxam are (0.860 ± 0.020) mg/kg, (0.524 ± 0.012) mg/kg, (0.787 ± 0.014) mg/kg, respectively. The standard deviation of the measured values for ten bottles was < 1%, and the measured values after one year agreed with their first measurements indicating reliable repeatability and reproducibility of the developed method.

Appraisal for Edible Use of Vegetable Crops Cultivated in Egypt after Treatment with Selected Insecticides and Fungicides: Insights of Dissipation Rates and Pre-harvest Intervals

An analytical investigation was carried out to study the dissipation rate of two commonly used pesticides, thiamethoxam (neonicotinoid insecticide) and propamocarb hydrochloride (carbamate fungicide), applied to four vegetable crops: cucumber, zucchini, lettuce and pepper, after open-field application. Samples were harvested according to a scheduled plan followed by QuEChERS extraction, then thiamethoxam residues were analyzed using a GC-ECD method, while propamocarb HCl residues were analyzed using an HPLC-UV method. Validation parameters were attained for both methods and the kinetic profile was studied, which fitted the first-order kinetics where k, t_1/2 and t₉₀ were calculated. The proper pre-harvest interval (PHI) was studied for each crop to ensure that the residues levels declined to reach below the maximum residue limit (MRL) where the crop is suitable for consumption. These values were found to be different from labelled values, which proves that the PHIs are greatly affected by changing weather conditions.

Combination of polyurethane and polymethyl methacrylate thin films as a microextraction sorbent for rapid adsorption and sensitive determination of neonicotinoid insecticides in fruit juice and tea by ultra high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry

An economical and effective thin film microextraction (TFME) for simultaneous analysis of ten neonicotinoid insecticides and metabolites in fruit juice and tea, was developed based on the combination of polyurethane (PU) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) films as the sorbent followed by ultra high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. The PU/PMMA composite was evidenced to possess rapid adsorption and strong accumulation towards neonicotinoids compared with the films used alone. A series of parameters were optimized, and the agitation mode, film size, ionic strength, desorption solvent and sample pH were found to dominate the microextraction process rather than the extraction temperature, agitation time and sample volume. The thin films are cost effective and efficient for single use analysis, but still can be reused at least 8 times with no significant loss in performance. The ten neonicotinoids were measured with good recoveries (81.1-107.9%), high enrichment factors (up to 135), low limits of detection (0.001-0.1 µg L^-1), and wide linearity range (1-500 µg L^-1, r²>0.9981) in fruit juice (apple, lemon, and pomegranate) and tea (green tea and black tea) samples. The proposed method was successfully applied to commercial fruit and tea drinks, and no samples were tested positive on target neonicotinoids. The PU/PMMA based TFME has shown great potential as an alternative to exhaustive extraction techniques for routine screening of trace neonicotinoids in fruit juice and tea by simplifying the analytical procedure, shortening the operation time, and lowering the material expense.

Facile synthesis of uniform spherical covalent organic frameworks for determination of neonicotinoid insecticides

A uniform spherical structure covalent organic framework (TAPA-BPDA-COF) was prepared by a facile method at room temperature with tris(4-aminophenyl)amine (TAPA) and 4,4'-biphenyldicarboxaldehyde (BPDA) as building blocks. Based on the solid phase extraction with the TAPA-BPDA-COF as the sorbent and high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection, a sensitive analytical method was established for the determination of four neonicotinoid insecticides from water and honey samples. Under the optimum conditions, good linear response for the quantification of the analytes was achieved in the range of 0.3-50.0 ng mL^-1 for water samples and in the range of 8.0-500.0 ng g^-1 for honey samples. The method recoveries fell in the range of 80.0-121.9% with RSDs less than 7.6%. The limits of detection at the signal to noise ratio of 3 were measured to be in the range of 0.08-0.12 ng mL^-1 for water samples and 2.6-3.3 ng g^-1 for honey samples, depending on compounds.

Rapid MSPD-LC-MS/MS Procedure for Determination of Pesticides in Potato Tubers

The program of potato protection recommended by the producers of agrochemicals requires application: thiamethoxam, lambda-cyhalothrin, deltamethrin, rimsulfuron and metalaxyl. Therefore, there is a risk that these pesticides are present in tubers, thus posing a toxicological risk to the consumer. In this respect, it is necessary to monitor the presence of these compounds in edible plants. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to develop a novel, simple and robust analytical procedure for simultaneous determination of above-mentioned pesticides in potato tubers. To develop an analytical procedure that fulfills SANTE demands, quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe method and matrix solid phase dispersion technique were investigated. The final determination was conducted by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. The obtained experimental data were analyzed by analysis of variance. For the extraction of analytes, matrix solid phase dispersion with octadecyl sorbent and methanol as eluent was chosen, since it provides the validation parameters according to SANTE requirements (recovery: 77-111%, relative standard deviation: 1-10%, limit of quantification: 0.9-5.0 μg/kg). This innovative analytical procedure is a practical analytical tool, which was successfully proven by applying it for target pesticides determination in potato tuber samples of different varieties randomly chosen at local markets.

Liquid Chromatographic Determination of Trace Bioavailable Neonicotinoids in Soil with Dispersive Liquid-Liquid Microextraction and Its Application for Experimental Monitoring

Dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) was applied to extract bioavailable neonicotinoids involved in the uptake from soil through roots to plants. To quantitatively extract bioavailable neonicotinoids with the proposed DLLME, 3.5 mL of dichloromethane (extractant)/acetonitrile (dispersive solvent) (6:1, v/v) was injected into 5 mL of aqueous soil extracts in which 1 g of sodium chloride was previously dissolved. The separated dichloromethane phase after sonication and centrifugation was evaporated, reconstituted with a mobile phase, and determined with high-performance liquid chromatography. The established method showed sufficient analytical performance to quantify the amount remaining in soil in trace amounts. In a pilot trial conducted in the field, the changes in the concentrations of bioavailable neonicotinoids were confirmed using the method. After showing rapid degradation in soil, degradation of clothianidin and imidacloprid slowed after about 100 days of treatment, but it continued to be detected at around 0.02-0.05 μg/g-dried weight until 1097 days. This result suggests that once these neonicotinoids are treated in soil, they might remain for long periods, which supports the possibilities of crop contamination and exposure to pollinators.

Determination of Neonicotinoid Pesticides in Propolis with Liquid Chromatography Coupled to Tandem Mass Spectrometry

In this study, a method was developed for the determination of five neonicotinoid pesticides (acetamiprid, clothianidin, imidacloprid, thiacloprid, and thiamethoxam) in propolis. Two sample preparation methods were tested: solid-phase extraction and the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) method. The identities of analytes were confirmed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in the selected reaction monitoring mode. Solid-phase extraction resulted in cleaner extracts; therefore, the SPE-LC-MS/MS method was validated according to the SANTE protocol in triplicate at two spiking levels (10 ng/g and 50 ng/g). The average recoveries of analytes ranged from 61% to 101%, except for clothianidin (10-20%). The LOD ranged from 0.2 ng/g to 4.4 ng/g, whereas the LOQ was in the range of 0.8 ng/g-14.7 ng/g. In order to compensate for the matrix effect, matrix-matched calibration was used. Good accuracy (relative error: 1.9-10.4%) and good linearity (R² > 0.991) were obtained for all compounds. The optimised method was applied to 30 samples: 18 raw propolis and 12 ethanol tinctures. Acetamiprid, imidacloprid, and thiacloprid were detectable in seven samples but were still below the LOQ. This study is the first to report the determination of several neonicotinoid residues in propolis.

Determination of Neonicotinoids in Honey Samples Originated from Poland and Other World Countries

A method development for determination of neonicotinoid residues in honey samples was developed. The proposed methodology consisted in QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe). That was used for sample preparation and UHPLC/UV (ultra-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection) utilized for chromatographic analysis. The developed method proved to be sensitive, with LOD (Limit of detection) value in the range of 60.80 to 80.98 ng/g hence LOQ (Limit of quantification) value was in the range of 184.26 to 245.40 ng/g. The method has tested on Polish honey and applied to honey from various countries (Bulgaria, Czech Republic, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Romania, Australia, Brazil, Cameroon, Russia, USA and Turkey). Several honey types were tested, while physicochemical properties of all honeys and were investigated. The methodology for general characterization of pollen grains originated from selected plants, to confirm the type of honey was also presented. There was a total lack of the mentioned neonicotinoids in sunflower honey. Except of this, only two samples of rapeseed and two samples of acacia honey (from Poland and Romania) were neonicotinoids free. In 19 samples the targeted pesticides were detected above LOQ. In all other investigated samples, the neonicotinoids were found at least at the LOD or LOQ level.

Capillary liquid chromatography as an effective method for the determination of seven neonicotinoid residues in honey samples

A new analytical method based on capillary liquid chromatography with diode array detection has been developed for the simultaneous quantification of seven neonicotinoid insecticides commercially available (imidacloprid, thiacloprid, clothianidin, thiamethoxam, acetamiprid, nitenpyram, and dinotefuran) in honey samples. The separation was achieved in a Zorbax XDB-C18 column (150 × 0.5 mm id, 5 μm), with a mobile phase consisting of ultrapure water (solvent A) and acetonitrile (solvent B) at a flow rate of 10 μL/min. Capillary column was thermostated at 25°C during the analysis and 254 or 270 nm was established as detection wavelength, depending on the analyte. Furthermore, full loop injection mode (8 μL) was selected, using water as injection solvent. Finally, the optimized method was applied to the analysis of neonicotinoid residues in honey of different floral origins using dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction as sample treatment. Variables affecting the extraction efficiency were optimized, choosing methanol and dichloromethane as dispersive and extraction solvents, respectively. The method was characterized in terms of linearity ( R 2 ≥ 0.9948), repeatability, reproducibility (relative standard deviation below 4.5 and 6.3% respectively), and recoveries (≥80.5%). Detection and quantification limits were lower than 6.6 and 22.0 μg/kg for the studied analytes, respectively.

Simultaneous determination of acetamiprid and 6-chloronicotinic acid in environmental samples by using ion chromatography hyphenated to online photoinduced fluorescence detector

This study aims to introduce a simple, sensitive, and cost-effective method for the simultaneous determination of acetamiprid and its main metabolite 6-chloronicotinic acid in environmental samples by using a nonsuppressed ion chromatography hyphenated with an online postcolumn photoinduced fluorescence detection system. The fluorescence detector wavelengths λ_ex /λ_em  = 257/382 nm was set for up to 6.0 min for acetamiprid, while λ_ex /λ_em  = 231/370 nm programmed for 6-chloronicotinic acid for the rest of the analysis time. Both samples were treated by applying miniaturized quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe method before the separation of analytes on an IonPac^® AS11-HC column by pumping 40 mM NaOH having minuscule content of acetonitrile (5%, v/v) as an eluent. Both intrinsically nonfluorescent analytes were turned-on by online postcolumn photoinduced derivatization, avoiding the need for complex chemical derivatization or addition of a postcolumn extra pump. The developed method was appraised for the analysis of environmental samples, exhibiting excellent linearity (0.050-10 μg/mL) with a correlation coefficient greater than 0.9993 for both analytes. Whereas, obtained limit of detection (0.025-0.0072 μg/mL), recoveries (98.02-116.00%), and inter- and intraday precision (≤3.02 %) were satisfactory for both compounds in environmental samples.

An Eco-Friendly Hydrophobic Deep Eutectic Solvent-Based Dispersive Liquid-Liquid Microextraction for the Determination of Neonicotinoid Insecticide Residues in Water, Soil and Egg Yolk Samples

A green, simple and sensitive hydrophobic DES-based dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was developed for the analysis of neonicotinoid insecticide residues in various samples. A hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent (DES) was synthesized using decanoic acid as a hydrogen bond donor and tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBABr) as a hydrogen bond-acceptor. DESs were synthesized and characterized by Fourier transform-infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Two disperser solvents were substituted with surfactants and acetonitrile, which could afford more effective emulsification and make the extraction relatively greener. The hydrophobic DES extraction phase occurred 10 min after centrifugation, being easy to be collected for analysis. Several parameters were investigated and optimized. Under the optimum condition, the calibration curve of this method was linear in the range of 0.003–1.0-µg·mL⁻¹, with a correlation coefficient (R²) higher than 0.99 and a good repeatability, with the relative standard deviations (RSDs) were less than 5.00%. The limits of detection were in the range of 0.001–0.003 µg·mL⁻¹; the limits of quantitation were in the range of 0.003–0.009 µg·mL·mL⁻¹. Finally, the presented method was implemented to determine the neonicotinoid insecticide residues in water, soil, egg yolk samples and acceptable recoveries were obtained.

Overview of Analytical Methods for the Determination of Neonicotinoid Pesticides in Honeybee Products and Honeybee

Neonicotinoid pesticides are widely applied for controlling pests in a variety of agriculture crops. Due to the systemic distribution in plants, neonicotinoid pesticides have been found in nectar and pollen, which are the main source of food for the important pollinator honeybee. The risk of neonicotinoid residues in honeybee products and honeybee has caused great attention since their impacts on the environment, ecology, and food safety issues. These concerns require the accurate and sensitive determination of neonicotinoids and their metabolites in the honeybee products and honeybee. Since the trace residue level of neonicotinoid and the complexity of the samples, analysis of neonicotinoid targets in these important matrices is still a great challenge. The present review provides general overview of analytical methods for the determination of neonicotinoid pesticides and their metabolites in honeybee products and honeybee.

Optimized Vortex-Assisted Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Microextraction Coupled with Spectrofluorimetry for Determination of Aspirin in Human Urine: Response Surface Methodology

Background:

A Vortex-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (VA-DLLME) method is presented for the determination of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) in human urine by spectrofluorimetry.

Objective:

To determine trace levels of aspirin in biologic samples by using green and low-cost method development.

Methods:

For the microextraction procedure, chloroform and acetonitrile were used as extraction and disperser solvent, respectively. The factors affecting the efficiency of extraction such as volume of chloroform, volumes of acetonitrile, ionic strength, sample pH, centrifuging time, and extraction time were investigated. Then significant variables were optimized by the response surface method using the Box- Behnken design.

Results:

Under the optimum extraction conditions, a linear calibration curve in the range of 0.1 to 130 ng mL-1 with a correlation coefficient of R2 = 0.998 was obtained. The limits of detection (LOD) and limits of quantification (LOQ) were 0.031 and 0.103 ng mL-1, respectively. The relative standard deviations (RSD) were less than 4%.

Conclusion:

Enrichment factor and recoveries were achieved for the extraction of aspirin in human urine. This method gives a rapid, simple, sensitive and environmentally friendly for the measurement of trace amount aspirin.

Developing and Validating a Method for Separating Flavonoid Isomers in Common Buckwheat Sprouts Using HPLC-PDA

Buckwheat sprouts that are synthesized during the germination process are rich in flavonoids, including orientin, vitexin, rutin, and their isomers (isoorientin, isovitexin, and quercetin-3-O-robinobioside, respectively). The purpose of this study was to optimize and validate an analytical method for separating flavonoid isomers in common buckwheat sprout extract (CSE). Factors, such as range, linearity, precision, accuracy, limit of detection, and limit of quantification, were evaluated for each standard using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). On the basis of resolution and symmetry, a column temperature of 40 °C with 0.1% (v/v) acidic water and acetonitrile as mobile phases, at a flow rate of 1 mL min⁻¹ were determined to be the optimal analytical conditions. Calibration curves for orientin, isoorientin, vitexin, isovitexin, and rutin exhibited good linearity with correlation coefficients of 0.9999 over the 6.25–100.00 μg mL⁻¹ range. Recovery values of 96.67–103.60% confirmed that the method was accurate for all flavonoids. The relative standard deviations of intra-day repeatability and inter-day reproducibility confirmed method preciseness, with values of less than 5.21% and 5.40%, respectively. The developed method was used to analyze flavonoids in CSE, with isomers satisfactorily separated and simultaneously quantified. We demonstrated that the developed HPLC method can be used to monitor flavonoids in buckwheat sprouts.

Matrix-Induced Sugaring-Out: A Simple and Rapid Sample Preparation Method for the Determination of Neonicotinoid Pesticides in Honey

In the present work, we developed a simple and rapid sample preparation method for the determination of neonicotinoid pesticides in honey based on the matrix-induced sugaring-out. Since there is a high concentration of sugars in the honey matrix, the honey samples were mixed directly with acetonitrile (ACN)-water mixture to trigger the phase separation. Analytes were extracted into the upper ACN phase without additional phase separation agents and injected into the HPLC system for the analysis. Parameters of this matrix-induced sugaring-out method were systematically investigated. The optimal protocol involves 2 g honey mixed with 4 mL ACN-water mixture (v/v, 60:40). In addition, this simple sample preparation method was compared with two other ACN-water-based homogenous liquid-liquid extraction methods, including salting-out assisted liquid-liquid extraction and subzero-temperature assisted liquid-liquid extraction. The present method was fully validated, the obtained limits of detection (LODs) and limits of quantification (LOQs) were from 21 to 27 and 70 to 90 μg/kg, respectively. Average recoveries at three spiked levels were in the range of 91.49% to 97.73%. Precision expressed as relative standard deviations (RSDs) in the inter-day and intra-day analysis were all lower than 5%. Finally, the developed method was applied for the analysis of eight honey samples, results showed that none of the target neonicotinoid residues were detected.

An overview of physicochemical characteristics and health-promoting properties of honeydew honey

Honeydew honey has differentiated chemical and physicochemical characteristics besides potential functional properties such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. In this sense, the interest and consumption of this honey as a functional product by the food industry and consumers have increased. Honeydew honeys usually present dark color, a lower content of monosaccharides and higher values of pH, acidity, electric conductivity, proteins, minerals, phenolic compounds, and oligosaccharides compared to blossom honeys, which contribute to its outstanding biological activities. Consequently, contaminations and adulterations of this honey can occur and compromise the quality, safety and authenticity of honeydew honey. Thus, detailed knowledge of the composition and properties of honeydew honeys is of great importance, especially considering that honeydew honeys are still few studied and therefore underestimated. Therefore, in this review, the physicochemical characteristics, chemical and bioactive composition, functional and health-promoting properties of honeydew honey as well as contamination, adulteration and authenticity of this honey are summarized.

Distribution of POPs, pesticides and antibiotic residues in organic honeys from different production areas

Demand for honey is increasing, especially if it is organic and if its nutritional properties are linked to untreated environments in order to guarantee quality for health. Sources of contamination of honey can be divided into environmental and apicultural. Therefore, the distribution of persistent organic pollutants, pesticides and antibiotic residues from geographical areas with different contamination sources (high anthropic impact, intensive farming, husbandry and low anthropic impact) was investigated in order to confirm the potential transfer of xenobiotics into the supply chain and to give beekeepers tools for the selection of areas dedicated to organic production. The presence of polychlorinated biphenyls, polybrominated diphenyl ether and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons was confirmed, not only in proximity to highly urbanised centres, where the concentrations were higher, but in all environment contexts, confirming their ubiquity. No antibiotics or neonicotinoids were detected in 95 organic honeys, demonstrating the absence of apicultural treatments and consequently the good quality of honey of different areas. These results are important due to the undefined regulatory European situation on honey antibiotic limits.

Ultrasonically Modified Amended-Cloud Point Extraction for Simultaneous Pre-Concentration of Neonicotinoid Insecticide Residues

An effective pre-concentration method, namely amended-cloud point extraction (CPE), has been developed for the extraction and pre-concentration of neonicotinoid insecticide residues. The studied analytes including clothianidin, imidacloprid, acetamiprid, thiamethoxam and thiacloprid were chosen as a model compound. The amended-CPE procedure included two cloud point processes. Triton™ X-114 was used to extract neonicotinoid residues into the surfactant-rich phase and then the analytes were transferred into an alkaline solution with the help of ultrasound energy. The extracts were then analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with a monolithic column. Several factors influencing the extraction efficiency were studied such as kind and concentration of surfactant, type and content of salts, kind and concentration of back extraction agent, and incubation temperature and time. Enrichment factors (EFs) were found in the range of 20⁻333 folds. The limits of detection of the studied neonicotinoids were in the range of 0.0003⁻0.002 µg mL−1 which are below the maximum residue limits (MRLs) established by the European Union (EU). Good repeatability was obtained with relative standard deviations lower than 1.92% and 4.54% for retention time (tR) and peak area, respectively. The developed extraction method was successfully applied for the analysis of water samples. No detectable residues of neonicotinoids in the studied samples were found.

Preconcentration of Trace Neonicotinoid Insecticide Residues Using Vortex-Assisted Dispersive Micro Solid-Phase Extraction with Montmorillonite as an Efficient Sorbent

In this work, we investigated montmorillonite for adsorption of neonicotinoid insecticides in vortex-assisted dispersive micro-solid phase extraction (VA-d-μ-SPE). High-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection was used for quantification and determination of neonicotinoid insecticide residues, including thiamethoxam, clothianidin, imidacloprid, acetamiprid, and thiacloprid. In this method, the solid sorbent was dispersed into the aqueous sample solution and vortex agitation was performed to accelerate the extraction process. Finally, the solution was filtered from the solid sorbent with a membrane filter. The parameters affecting the extraction efficiency of the proposed method were optimized, such as amount of sorbent, sample volume, salt addition, type and volume of extraction solvent, and vortex time. The adsorbing results show that montmorillonite could be reused at least 4 times and be used as an effective adsorbent for rapid extraction/preconcentration of neonicotinoid insecticide residues. Under optimum conditions, linear dynamic ranges were achieved between 0.5 and 1000 ng mL^-1 with a correlation of determination (R²) greater than 0.99. Limit of detection (LOD) ranged from 0.005 to 0.065 ng mL^-1, while limit of quantification (LOQ) ranged from 0.008 to 0.263 ng mL^-1. The enrichment factor (EF) ranged from 8 to 176-fold. The results demonstrated that the proposed method not only provided a more simple and sensitive method, but also can be used as a powerful alternative method for the simultaneous determination of insecticide residues in natural surface water and fruit juice samples.

Review of Sample Preparation Techniques for the Analysis of Selected Classes of Pesticides in Plant Matrices

The aim of this article is to present the trends in extraction techniques applied for the isolation of pesticides from plant matrix. To fully compare the effectiveness of different extraction techniques, it was required to analyze compounds with possibly wide spectrum of physicochemical properties. Hence, compounds representing neonicotinoids, pyrethroids, sulfonylureas and phenylamides were selected. Based on literature studies, it may be concluded that there are three main approaches to make the analytical procedures for pesticides determination more effective: (i) the optimization of extraction conditions, however, according to ANOVA conducted on the collected literature data, not all parameters influence the extraction process equally; chemometric studies based on literature reports may lead to the conclusion that the most favorable conditions (criterion: analyte recovery, repeatability) for neonicotinoid, pyrethroid and sulfonylurea herbicide extraction from plant tissues are provided by QuEChERS - extraction with acetonitrile, while the mixtures of PSA and GCB (for neonicotinoids), and PSA, GCB, C18 (for pyrethroids) should be used in d-SPE step. For sulfonylurea compounds and metalaxyl it was impossible to identify a sorbent(s) that cleans up the extract more effectively than the others; (ii) to develop a new generation of sorbents; however, the range of their applicability is limited, mainly due to difficulties in their synthesis; (iii) to develop the new extraction techniques with as few "trouble spots" as possible.

Comprehensive two-dimensional ion chromatography (2D-IC) coupled to a post-column photochemical fluorescence detection system for determination of neonicotinoids (imidacloprid and clothianidin) in food samples

There are increasing concerns about the dietary risks of neonicotinoids (NNIs); therefore their sensitive and accurate determination in dietary products is indispensable. However, the complex composition of agricultural food matrixes makes their extraction and quantitative determination a challenging task. Realizing this need, we herein report a simple, cost-effective, selective and sensitive fluorescence analytical workflow for analyses of two non-fluorescent neonicotinoids imidacloprid (IMI) and clothianidin (CLT) in six complex food samples (honey, ginger, durian, apple, tomato, cucumber) by online clean-up of sample extracts using two-dimensional ion chromatography (2D-IC) and a subsequent online post column UV induced fluorescence detection system. This online clean-up setup has proven advantageous to improve the limit of detection, potentially diminish matrix effects, and reduce analysis time and labor. The developed method showed excellent analytical figures of merit including linearity, selectivity, repeatability, recovery, and resolution for analysis of IMI and CLT in food samples.

A 2D-IC system was successfully fabricated for clean isocratic chromatographic separations and sensitive post column UV induced fluorescence determination of two NNIs in six complex food samples.

Determination of acetamiprid, imidacloprid, and spirotetramat and their relevant metabolites in pistachio using modified QuEChERS combined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

A QuEChERS based methodology was developed for the simultaneous identification and quantification of acetamiprid, imidacloprid, and spirotetramat and their relevant metabolites in pistachio by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for the first time. First, sample extraction was done with MeCN:citrate buffer:NaHCO₃ followed by phase separation with the addition of MgSO₄:NaCl. The supernatant was then cleaned by a primary-secondary amine (PSA), GCB, and MgSO₄. The proposed method provides a linearity in the range of 5-200µgL^-1, and the linear regression coefficients were higher than 0.99. LOD and LOQ were obtained to be 2 and 5µgkg^-1 for the studied insecticides, respectively, with the exception of imidacloprid-olefin (5 and 10µgkg^-1). Acceptable recoveries (91-110%) were obtained for all the analytes with good intra- and inter-precisions (0.4≥RSD ≤11.0). The method was then used for the pistachio samples collected from a field trial to estimate the maximum residue limits (MRLs) in next step.

The exposure of honey bees (Apis mellifera; Hymenoptera: Apidae) to pesticides: Room for improvement in research

Losses of honey bees have been repeatedly reported from many places worldwide. The widespread use of synthetic pesticides has led to concerns regarding their environmental fate and their effects on pollinators. Based on a standardised review, we report the use of a wide variety of honey bee matrices and sampling methods in the scientific papers studying pesticide exposure. Matrices such as beeswax and beebread were very little analysed despite their capacities for long-term pesticide storage. Moreover, bioavailability and transfer between in-hive matrices were poorly understood and explored. Many pesticides were studied but interactions between molecules or with other stressors were lacking. Sampling methods, targeted matrices and units of measure should have been, to some extent, standardised between publications to ease comparison and cross checking. Data on honey bee exposure to pesticides would have also benefit from the use of commercial formulations in experiments instead of active ingredients, with a special assessment of co-formulants (quantitative exposure and effects). Finally, the air matrix within the colony must be explored in order to complete current knowledge on honey bee pesticide exposure.

Determination of neonicotinoids in Estonian honey by liquid chromatography-electrospray mass spectrometry

The aim of the study was to provide a comprehensive overview of neonicotinoid pesticide residues in honey samples for a single country and compare the results with the import data for neonicotinoid pesticides. The levels of four neonicotinoid pesticides, namely thiamethoxam, imidacloprid, acetamiprid, and thiacloprid, were determined in 294 honey samples harvested from 2005 to 2013 from more than 200 locations in Estonia. For the analyzed honey samples, 27% contained thiacloprid, and its levels in all cases were below the maximum residue level set by the European Union. The other neonicotinoids were not detected. The proportion of thiacloprid-positive samples for different years correlates well with the data on thiacloprid imports into Estonia, indicating that honey contamination with neonicotinoids can be estimated based on the import data.