Analysis of 140 pesticides from conventional farming foodstuff samples after extraction with the modified QuECheRS method

Dissipation behavior and risk assessment of acephate in brinjal using GLC with FPD

A study was conducted to observe the persistence, dissipation behavior, and risk assessment of acephate on brinjal fruit. Brinjal crop was sprayed with acephate 75 SP at 560 and 1120 g a.i. ha(-1) at fruiting stage followed by another application at 10-day interval. After sampling, the samples were extracted and cleaned up using quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) technique, and the residues of acephate were analyzed with gas chromatography using flame photometric detector (FPD). The average initial deposits of acephate on brinjal fruits were found to be 2.54 and 4.07 mg kg(-1) following application of insecticide at 560 and 1120 g a.i. ha(-1), respectively. Residues of acephate reached below determination level of 0.10 mg kg(-1) after 7 days at recommended dosages and after 10 days at double the recommended dosages. The half-life of acephate was found to be 1.55 and 1.52 days, respectively, at 560 and 1120 g a.i. ha(-1). For risk assessment studies, theoretical maximum residue contributions (TMRC) were calculated and compared with maximum permissible intake (MPI). It was observed that TMRC values reached below MPI in 0-day samples at both recommended and double the recommended dosages. Therefore, it was concluded that if waiting period of 1 day is observed, there will be much reduced risk to consumers and the insecticide could be safely used for the protection of brinjal crop from insect pests.

Effect of nonpersistent pesticides on estrogen receptor, androgen receptor, and aryl hydrocarbon receptor

Nonpersistent pesticides are considered less harmful for the environment, but their impact as endocrine disruptors has not been fully explored. The pesticide Switch was applied to grape vines, and the maximum residue concentration of its active ingredients was quantified. The transactivation potential of the pesticides Acorit, Frupica, Steward, Reldan, Switch, Cantus, Teldor, and Scala and their active compounds (hexythiazox, mepanipyrim, indoxacarb, chlorpyrifos-methyl, cyprodinil, fludioxonil, boscalid, fenhexamid, and pyrimethanil) were tested on human estrogen receptor α (ERα), androgen receptor (AR) and arylhydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in vitro. Relative binding affinities of the pure pesticide constituents for AR and their effect on human breast cancer and prostate cancer cell lines were evaluated. Residue concentrations of Switch's ingredients were below maximum residue limits. Fludioxonil and fenhexamid were ERα agonists (EC50 -values of 3.7 and 9.0 μM, respectively) and had time-dependent effects on endogenous ERα-target gene expression (cyclin D1, progesterone receptor, and nuclear respiratory factor 1) in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. Fludioxonil, mepanipyrim, cyprodinil, pyrimethanil, and chlorpyrifos-methyl were AhR-agonists (EC50 s of 0.42, 0.77, 1.4, 4.6, and 5.1 μM, respectively). Weak AR binding was shown for chlorpyrifos-methyl, cyprodinil, fenhexamid, and fludioxonil. Assuming a total uptake which does not take metabolism and clearance rates into account, our in vitro evidence suggests that pesticides could activate pathways affecting hormonal balance, even within permitted limits, thus potentially acting as endocrine disruptors.

Piezoelectric biosensors for organophosphate and carbamate pesticides: a review

Due to the great amount of pesticides currently being used, there is an increased interest for developing biosensors for their detection. Among all the physical transducers, piezoelectric systems have emerged as the most attractive due to their simplicity, low instrumentation costs, possibility for real-time and label-free detection and generally high sensitivity. This paper presents an overview of biosensors based on the quartz crystal microbalance, which have been reported in the literature for organophosphate and carbamate pesticide analysis.

Analysis of 118 pesticides in tobacco after extraction with the modified QuEChRS method by LC-MS-MS

A liquid chromatography-tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) multi-residue method for the simultaneous target analysis of a wide range of pesticides in tobacco has been developed. Gradient elution has been used in conjunction with positive mode electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry to detect up to 118 pesticides in tobacco. The recoveries obtained for each pesticide ranged between 70 and 118% at two spiked concentration levels. Good linear relationships were observed with correlation coefficients r(2) > 0.992 for all analytes. The established method was successfully applied to the determination of pesticide residues in real tobacco samples in order to validate the suitability for routine analysis.

Pesticide residue evaluation in major staple food items of Ethiopia using the QuEChERS method: a case study from the Jimma Zone

Samples of maize, teff, red pepper, and coffee (green bean and coffee bean with pulp) were collected from a local market in the Jimma Zone, Ethiopia. Samples were analyzed for the occurrence of cypermethrin, permethrin, deltamethrin, chlorpyrifos ethyl, DTT and its metabolites, and endosulfan (α, β). In the analytical procedure, the QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe) extraction methodology with dispersive solid phase extraction clean up (d-SPE) technique was applied. Validation of the QuEChERS method was satisfactory. Recovery percentages of most pesticides were in the range of 70% to 120%, with good repeatability (%relative standard deviation < 20). The limit of detection and limit of quantification varied between 0.001 µg/g and 0.092 µg/g and between 0.002 µg/g and 0.307 µg/g, respectively. The main pesticides detected were DDT, endosulfan, cypermethrin, and permethrin. All of the pesticides analyzed were detected in red pepper and green coffee bean. Residues of DDT in coffee pulp significantly differed (p < 0.01) from other food items except for red pepper. The concentration of pesticides in the food items varied from 0.011 mg/kg to 1.115 mg/kg. All food items contained 1 or more pesticides. Two-thirds of the samples had residues below corresponding maximum residue limits, and the remaining one-third of samples were above the maximum residue limits. These results indicate the need for a good pesticide monitoring program to evaluate consumer risk for the Ethiopian people.

Determination of pesticide residues in honeybees using modified QUEChERS sample work-up and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Increasing emissions of chemical compounds to the environment, especially of pesticides, is one of factors that may explain present honeybee colony losses. In this work, an analytical method employing liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was optimized for the simultaneous screening of 19 pesticides which have not been yet determined in honeybee samples from northern Poland (Pomerania). The sample preparation, based on the QuEChERS method combining salting-out liquid-liquid extraction to acetonitrile and a dispersive-SPE clean-up, was adjusted to honeybee samples by adding a small amount of hexane to eliminate beeswax. The recovery of analytes ranged from 70% to 120% with relative standard deviation ≤20%. The limits of detection were in the range of 0.91–25 ng/g. A total of 19 samples of honeybees from suspected pesticide poisoning incidents were analyzed, in which 19 different pesticides were determined.

Analytical considerations on the use of a fruit-specific and representative matrix in pesticide residue analysis by LC-ESI-MS/MS

One of the quantification methods frequently applied to pesticide residue analysis in food by liquid chromatography — mass spectrometry (LC-MS) involves matrix-matched calibrations with a representative matrix used for all commodities belonging to one group. This approach, although very practical, is deemed to generate analytical errors. The effect of the application of a representative-matrix calibration curve on the pesticide quantification result was examined. Extractions of 56 pesticides from five soft fruits (strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, black currant and red currant) were carried out using QuEChERS method. Pesticide determinations were performed by LC-MS/MS in multiple reaction monitoring mode. Quantification difference functions and parameters were proposed and calculated. At the concentration of 0.05 mg kg−1 for ca. 90% of examined pesticides the quantification difference arising from the use of a representative matrix calibration curve (raspberries) instead of a specific fruit matrix calibration curve was below 20% for black and red currents, and below 30% and 35% in the case of strawberries and blackberries, respectively. The 25% difference limit was not exceeded for 51 pesticides in black and red currents, 46 pesticides in blackberries and 45 pesticides in strawberries. Quantification difference functions and parameters such as relative standard deviation of corrected process efficiencies were found to be helpful in data-driven decision-making on the applicability of a representative matrix; the former may be also used as a tool for data correction to ensure the reliability and accuracy of analyses.

Environmental fate of chlorantraniliprole residues on cauliflower using QuEChERS technique

Chlorantraniliprole, an anthranilic diamide insecticide with novel mode of action is found effective against several lepidopteran as well as coleopteran, dipteran, and hemipteran pests. The present studies were carried out to study the dissipation pattern of chlorantraniliprole on cauliflower and to suggest suitable waiting period for the safety of consumers. Quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe method was used for the extraction and cleanup of samples and the residues of chlorantraniliprole were estimated using high-performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC) and confirmed by liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometer and high-performance thin layer chromatograph. Following three applications of chlorantraniliprole (Coragen 18.5 SC) at recommended dose (9.25 g a.i. ha(-1)) and double the recommended dose (18.50 g a.i. ha(-1)), the average initial deposits of chlorantraniliprole were observed to be 0.18 and 0.29 mg kg(-1), respectively. These deposits were found to be less than the maximum residue limit of 2.0 mg kg(-1) prescribed by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. These residues dissipated below the limit of quantification of 0.10 mg kg(-1) after 3 and 5 days at recommended and double the recommended dosages, respectively. The half-life value (T (1/2)) of chlorantraniliprole was worked out to be 1.36 days following its application at recommended dosages. Hence, the use of this pesticide at recommended dosages does not seem to pose any risk, and a waiting period of 1 day is suggested for safe consumption of cauliflower curds.

Dissipation of pyraclostrobin and its metabolite BF-500-3 in maize under field conditions

The dissipation and residue of pyraclostrobin and its metabolite BF-500-3 in maize under field conditions were investigated. A sensitive, simple and fast method for simultaneous determination of pyraclostrobin and BF-500-3 in maize matrix was established by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). The average recoveries of pyraclostrobin and BF-500-3 were found in the range of 83.6-104.9% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 2.3-10.0%. The results showed that pyraclostrobin dissipated quickly in maize plant with half-lives of 1.6-1.7 days. Its metabolite BF-500-3 showed a tendency of rapid increasing initially and decreasing afterwards. At harvest time, the terminal residues of pyraclostrobin were below the maximum residue limit (MRL) set by USA and Canada in maize grain when measured 7 days after the final application, which suggested that the use of this fungicide was safe for humans. The results could provide guidance to safe and reasonable use of pyraclostrobin in agriculture.

A review of sample preparation methods for the pesticide residue analysis in foods

The pesticide residues in foods have received increasing attention as one of the most important food safety issues. Therefore, more strict regulations on the maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticides in foods have been established in many countries and health organizations, based on the sensitive and reliable analysis methods of pesticide residues. However, the analysis of pesticide residues is a continuing challenge mainly because of the small quantities of analytes as well as the large amounts of interfering substances which can be co-extracted with them, often leading to experimental errors and damage to the analytical instruments. Thus, extensive sample preparation is often required for the pesticide residue analysis for the effective extraction of the analytes and removal of the interferences. This paper focuses on reviewing the recent development in the sample preparation methods for the pesticide residue analysis in foods since 2006. The methods include: liquid-liquid extraction (LLE), supercritical-fluid extraction (SFE), pressurized-liquid extraction (PLE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), solid-phase extraction (SPE), molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD), solid-phase micro-extraction (SPME), QuEChERS, cloud point extraction (CPE) and liquid phase micro-extraction (LPME), etc. Particularly their advantages, disadvantages and future perspectives will be discussed.

Current mass spectrometry strategies for the analysis of pesticides and their metabolites in food and water matrices

Analysis of pesticides and their metabolites in food and water matrices continues to be an active research area closely related to food safety and environmental issues. This review discusses the most widely applied mass spectrometric (MS) approaches to pesticide residues analysis over the last few years. The main techniques for sample preparation remain solvent extraction and solid-phase extraction. The QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, Safe) approach is being increasingly used for the development of multi-class pesticide residues methods in various sample matrices. MS detectors-triple quadrupole (QqQ), ion-trap (IT), quadrupole linear ion trap (QqLIT), time-of-flight (TOF), and quadrupole time-of-flight (QqTOF)-have been established as powerful analytical tools sharing a primary role in the detection/quantification and/or identification/confirmation of pesticides and their metabolites. Recent developments in analytical instrumentation have enabled coupling of ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) and fast gas chromatography (GC) with MS detectors, and faster analysis for a greater number of pesticides. The newly developed "ambient-ionization" MS techniques (e.g., desorption electrospray ionization, DESI, and direct analysis in real time, DART) hyphenated with high-resolution MS platforms without liquid chromatography separation, and sometimes with minimum pre-treatment, have shown potential for pesticide residue screening. The recently introduced Orbitrap mass spectrometers can provide high resolving power and mass accuracy, to tackle complex analytical problems involved in pesticide residue analysis.

Multi-residue analysis of 80 environmental contaminants in honeys, honeybees and pollens by one extraction procedure followed by liquid and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometric detection

One of the factors that may explain nowadays honeybees' colonies losses is the increasing presence of chemicals in the environment. The aim of this study is to obtain a global view of the presence of environmental contaminants in beehives and, develop a fast, cheap and sensitive tool to analyze environmental contaminants in apiarian matrices. A multi residue analysis was developed to quantify 80 environmental contaminants, pesticides and veterinary drugs, belonging to different chemical classes, in honeys, honeybees and pollens. It consists in a single extraction, based on a modified "QuEChERS method", followed by gas chromatography coupled with Time of Flight mass spectrometry (GC-ToF) and liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The "QuEChERS method" combines salting-out liquid-liquid extraction with acetonitrile and a dispersive-SPE clean up. It was adjusted to honey and especially to honeybee and pollen, by adding a small fraction of hexane in acetonitrile to eliminate lipids that interfere with mass spectrometry analysis. This method, combined with accurate and sensitive detection, allowed quantification and confirmation at levels as low as 10 ng/g, with recoveries between 60 and 120%. Application to more than 100 samples of each matrix was achieved for a global view of pesticide presence in the honeybee environment. Relatively high percentages of honeys, honeybees and pollens were found to be contaminated by pesticides used to combat varroa but also by fungicides like carbendazim and ubiquitous contaminants.