Simultaneous determination of three acidic herbicide residues in food crops using HPLC and confirmation via LC-MS/MS

Recent Advancements in Liquid Chromatographic Techniques to Estimate Pesticide Residues Found in Medicinal Plants around the Globe

In the present review article, different advanced liquid chromatographic techniques and the advanced techniques other than liquid chromatography that are used to estimate the pesticide residues from different plant-based samples are presented. In the beginning of the article, details of pesticides, their health effects and various cell lines used for the related study has been outlined. Afterward, detailed descriptions regarding pesticides classification are inscribed. In the end, recent advancements in the area of analysis of pesticides for herbal drugs are explained. Solid phase micro extraction (SPME) and solid-phase extraction (SPE) are considered as most common method of sample preparation for pesticides and its residual analysis. The most commonly used analytical separation technique for pesticide analysis is liquid chromatography (LC) integrated with mass spectrometry (MS) and MS/MS as Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer (QqQ) for the samples analysis where high level of sensitivity and accuracy is required in quantification.

Determination of twenty herbicides in blood by ultrapressure liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

A sensitive and rapid method for the simultaneous determination of twenty herbicides (aclonifen, lactofen, terbutryn, butylate, carbetamide, fluazifop-P-butyl, propanil, prometryn, isoproturon, terbumeton, pretilachlor, pendimethalin, cycloxydim, tri-allate, metolachlor, diuron, alloxydim, prosulfuron, triflusulfuron-methyl, and acetochlor) in human blood is reported herein. Liquid-liquid extraction coupled with ultra-pressure liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was employed for the simultaneous analysis of all compounds in 15 min. Validation parameters were studied through the estimation of the limits of detection and quantification, calibration curves, sensitivity, spiked recovery and precision. The limits of detection ranged from 0.1 to 1.0 ng/mL. The limits of quantification ranged from 0.5 to 2.0 ng/mL. Good linearity was obtained for all compounds with R²> 0.99 in all cases. Furthermore, interday precision (< 15%) and intraday precision (< 15%) were shown to be satisfactory. Recoveries in spiked blood samples were evaluated, and acceptable values (88.0%~108.8%) were found. Finally, this method was successfully applied to the determination of fluazifop-P-butyl, isoproturon and acetochlor in blood samples from real forensic cases. These results suggest that this method is reliable for rapid forensic and clinical diagnosis.

Phytoremediation potential of three terrestrial plant species for removal of atrazine, azoxystrobin, and imidacloprid

Pesticides can move off-target resulting in contamination of sensitive water bodies and causing adverse effects on inhabiting species. Through best management practices, such as the implementation of vegetative buffer strips, off-target movement of pesticides can be decreased, and compound degradation can be increased via phytoremediation. In this study, blueflag iris (Iris versicolor), broomsedge (Andropogon virginicus) and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) were planted in soil treated with one of three commonly used pesticides. At 28, 56 and 112 days after treatment (DAT), plants were destructively harvested and analyzed for pesticide residue in soil and above-ground and below-ground vegetation using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Relative to the amount of pesticide found in planted pots compared to non-planted pots, I. versicolor was found to reduce greater atrazine in soil compared to non-planted pots at 112 DAT by 58.7%. I. versicolor was also the most capable of reducing azoxystrobin, by 86.9% compared to non-planted pots, from the soil at 112 DAT. At the same sampling time, I. versicolor and P. virgatum reduced greater imidacloprid from soil by 62.5% and 64.3% compared to non-planted pots, respectively. This information supports the recommendation for establishment of diverse plant species for optimization of phytoremediation capacities. Novelty statement While research has found that plants can absorb and remediate synthetic chemicals, this practice is only sustainable if used with native plants that require low maintenance and are tolerant to the applied substances. Various previous studies observe plants that are fast-growing, tolerant to environmental conditions, require low-maintenance, and are hardy. However, these plant species are not always suitable for any location and are often considered invasive and/or weed-like. The present research initiates a list of plant species which can be used within the southeastern United States and similar areas to phytoremediate commonly used pesticides atrazine, azoxystrobin, and imidacloprid and prevent off-target movement.

Multiresidue method for determining multiclass acidic pesticides in agricultural foods by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

A reliable multiresidue method was developed for determining multiclass acidic pesticides in cereal grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits. The target pesticides comprise 75 compounds, including phenoxy acid, sulfonylurea, imidazoline, and triazolopyrimidine herbicides, with acidic dissociation constant (pK_a) values of 1.9-5.9. The method includes extraction with acidified acetonitrile, salting out, cleanup with octadecyl silica and primary secondary amine cartridges, and subsequent liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The analytical performance of the developed method was validated for nine foods (i.e., brown rice, soybeans, peanuts, spinach, cabbage, eggplant, potatoes, apples, and oranges) at a concentration of 0.01 mg kg^-1. Because matrix effects were negligible for most pesticide and food combinations, solvent-based calibration curves were used for quantification purposes. Most of the target compounds exhibited satisfactory analytical performance with trueness values of 70-100% and relative standard deviations below 14%. The high selectivity of the developed method was evidenced by the absence of interfering peaks near those of the target analytes. With the exception of 1-naphthaleneacetic acid, for which linearity was observed at 2.5-100 ng mL^-1, linear calibration curves were constructed for the target compounds in the 1-100 ng mL^-1 range, with coefficients of determination exceeding 0.995. The limits of detection were 3 μg kg^-1 or below in the examined matrices. The results demonstrate that the developed method is suitable for monitoring acidic pesticides in a variety of foods.

Evaluation of a Stable Isotope-Based Direct Quantification Method for Dicamba Analysis from Air and Water Using Single-Quadrupole LC-MS

Dicamba is a moderately volatile herbicide used for post-emergent control of broadleaf weeds in corn, soybean, and a number of other crops. With increased use of dicamba due to the release of dicamba-resistant cotton and soybean varieties, growing controversy over the effects of spray drift and volatilization on non-target crops has increased the need for quantifying dicamba collected from water and air sampling. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate stable isotope-based direct quantification of dicamba from air and water samples using single-quadrupole liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS). The sample preparation protocols developed in this study utilize a simple solid-phase extraction (SPE) protocol for water samples and a single-step concentration protocol for air samples. The LC–MS detection method achieves sensitive detection of dicamba based on selected ion monitoring (SIM) of precursor and fragment ions and relies on the use of an isotopically labeled internal standard (IS) (D₃-dicamba), which allows for calculating recoveries and quantification using a relative response factor (RRF). Analyte recoveries of 106–128% from water and 88–124% from air were attained, with limits of detection (LODs) of 0.1 ng mL⁻¹ and 1 ng mL⁻¹, respectively. The LC–MS detection method does not require sample pretreatment such as ion-pairing or derivatization to achieve sensitivity. Moreover, this study reveals matrix effects associated with sorbent resin used in air sample collection and demonstrates how the use of an isotopically labeled IS with RRF-based analysis can account for ion suppression. The LC–MS method is easily transferrable and offers a robust alternative to methods relying on more expensive tandem LC–MS/MS-based options.

Hapten Synthesis, Antibody Development, and a Highly Sensitive Indirect Competitive Chemiluminescent Enzyme Immunoassay for Detection of Dicamba

Although dicamba has long been one of the most widely used selective herbicides, some U.S. states have banned the sale and use of dicamba because of farmers complaints of drift and damage to nonresistant crops. To prevent illegal use of dicamba and allow monitoring of nonresistant crops, a rapid and sensitive method for detection of dicamba is critical. In this paper, three novel dicamba haptens with an aldehyde group were synthesized, conjugated to the carrier protein via a reductive-amination procedure and an indirect competitive chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (CLEIA) for dicamba was developed. The assay showed an IC50 of 0.874 ng/mL which was over 15 times lower than that of the conventional enzyme immunoassay. The immunoassay was used to quantify dicamba concentrations in field samples of soil and soybean obtained from fields sprayed with dicamba. The developed CLEIA showed an excellent correlation with LC-MS analysis in spike-and-recovery studies, as well as in real samples. The recovery of dicamba ranged from 86 to 108% in plant samples and from 105 to 107% in soil samples. Thus, this assay is a rapid and simple analytical tool for detecting and quantifying dicamba levels in environmental samples and potentially a great tool for on-site crop and field monitoring.

Critical and systematic evaluation of data for estimating human exposures to 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) - quality and generalizability

The herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) has been commercially available since the 1940's. Despite decades of data on 2,4-D in food, air, soil, and water, as well as in humans, the quality the quality of these data has not been comprehensively evaluated. Using selected elements of the Biomonitoring, Environmental Epidemiology, and Short-lived Chemicals (BEES-C) instrument (temporal variability, avoidance of sample contamination, analyte stability, and urinary methods of matrix adjustment), the quality of 156 publications of environmental- and biomonitoring-based 2,4-D data was examined. Few publications documented steps were taken to avoid sample contamination. Similarly, most studies did not demonstrate the stability of the analyte from sample collection to analysis. Less than half of the biomonitoring publications reported both creatinine-adjusted and unadjusted urine concentrations. The scope and detail of data needed to assess temporal variability and sources of 2,4-D varied widely across the reviewed studies. Exposures to short-lived chemicals such as 2,4-D are impacted by numerous and changing external factors including application practices and formulations. At a minimum, greater transparency in reporting of quality control measures is needed. Perhaps the greatest challenge for the exposure community is the ability to reach consensus on how to address problems specific to short-lived chemical exposures in observational epidemiology investigations. More extensive conversations are needed to advance our understanding of human exposures and enable interpretation of these data to catch up to analytical capabilities. The problems defined in this review remain exquisitely difficult to address for chemicals like 2,4-D, with short and variable environmental and physiological half-lives and with exposures impacted by numerous and changing external factors.

Persistence in and Release of 2,4-D and Azoxystrobin from Turfgrass Clippings

Research has shown that pesticide residue in clippings from previously treated turfgrass may become bioavailable as grass decomposes, adversely affecting off-target organisms. We conducted a field study to quantify 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) and azoxystrobin (methyl(E)-2-{2[6-(2-cyanophenoxy)pyrmidin-4-yloxy]phenyl}-3-methoxyacrylate) residues in turfgrass clippings collected from hybrid bermudagrass [ (L.) Pers. × Burtt-Davy], tall fescue [ (Schreb.) S.J. Darbyshire], and zoysiagrass ( Steud.). A subsequent greenhouse experiment was conducted to measure pesticide release from clippings into water. 2,4-D (1.6 kg a.i. ha) and azoxystrobin (0.6 kg a.i. ha) were applied to field plots at 32, 16, 8, 4, 2, 1, or 0 d before collection of the clippings. Clippings were collected from each experimental unit to quantify pesticide release from clippings into water. Both 2,4-D and azoxystrobin were detected when turfgrass was treated over the 32-d experimental period, suggesting that clipping management should be implemented for an extended period of time after application. Pesticide residue was detected in all water samples collected, confirming 2,4-D and azoxystrobin release from turfgrass clippings; however, pesticide release varied between compounds. Two days after clippings were incorporated in water, 39 and 10% of 2,4-D and azoxystrobin were released from clippings, respectively. Our research supports the currently recommended practice of returning clippings to the turfgrass stand when mowing because removal of 2,4-D and azoxystrobin in clippings may reduce pest control and cause adverse off-target impacts.

Factors Influencing Dislodgeable 2, 4-D Plant Residues from Hybrid Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L. x C. transvaalensis) Athletic Fields

Research to date has confirmed 2,4-D residues may dislodge from turfgrass; however, experiments have not been conducted on hybrid bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L. x C. transvaalensis), the most common athletic field turfgrass in subtropical climates. More specifically, previous research has not investigated the effect of post-application irrigation on dislodgeable 2,4-D residues from hybrid bermudagrass and across turfgrass species, research has been nondescript regarding sample time within a d (TWD) or conducted in the afternoon when the turfgrass canopy is dry, possibly underestimating potential for dislodgement. The effect of irrigation and TWD on 2,4-D dislodgeability was investigated. Dislodgeable 2,4-D amine was reduced > 300% following irrigation. From 2 to 7 d after treatment (DAT), ≤ 0.5% of applied 2,4-D was dislodged from irrigated turfgrass, while ≤ 2.3% of applied 2,4-D was dislodged when not irrigated. 2,4-D dislodgeability decreased as TWD increased. Dislodgeable 2,4-D residues declined to < 0.1% of the applied at 1 DAT- 13:00, and increased to 1 to 3% of the applied 2 DAT- 5:00, suggesting 2,4-D re-suspended on treated turfgrass vegetation overnight. In conclusion, irrigating treated turfgrass reduced dislodgeable 2,4-D. 2,4-D dislodgeability increased as TWD decreased, which was attributed to non-precipitation climatic conditions favoring turfgrass canopy wetness. This research will improve turfgrass management practices and research designed to minimize human 2,4-D exposure.

Quantitative analysis of dicamba residues in raw agricultural commodities with the use of ion-pairing reagents in LC-ESI-MS/MS

A sensitive and selective HPLC-MS/MS method was developed for the quantitative analysis of dicamba residues in raw agricultural commodities (RACs). Instead of analysis in the traditionally used negative electrospray ionization (ESI) mode, these anionic compounds were detected in positive ESI with the use of ion-pairing reagents. In this approach, only a small amount (60µM) of a commercially available dicationic ion-pairing reagent was introduced into the post-column sample stream. This method has been validated in six different types of RACs including corn grain, corn stover, cotton seed, soybean, soy forage and orange with satisfactory quantitative accuracy and precision. The limits of quantitation (LOQ) values for these analytes were 1.0 to 3.0µg/kg. The standard curves were linear over the range of the tested concentrations (3.0 to 500µg/kg), with correlation coefficient (r) values≥0.999. Evaluation of ionization effects in RAC matrix extracts using diluent blanks for comparison showed no significant matrix effects were present.

Dissipation and residue of 2,4-D in citrus under field condition

The dissipation, residues, and risks of 2,4-dicholrophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) in citrus under field condition were investigated based on a simple ultra-performance LC (UPLC)-MS/MS method. The results indicated that the residue level of 2,4-D in citrus did not degrade gradually with sampling time under field condition. At pre-harvest intervals (PHI) of 20-40 days, 2,4-D residues were 0.021-0.269 mg/kg in citrus flesh, 0.028-0.337 mg/kg in whole citrus, and 0.028-0.376 mg/kg in citrus peel, all bellow the China maximum residue limit in citrus (1 mg/kg). Risks of 2,4-D were assessed by calculation of risk quotient, and the results revealed no significant health risks after consumption of citrus.

On-line monitoring of the photocatalytic degradation of 2,4-D and dicamba using a solid-phase extraction-multisyringe flow injection system

A fully automated on-line system for monitoring the photocatalytic degradation of herbicides was developed using multisyringe flow injection analysis (MSFIA) coupled to a solid phase extraction (SPE) unit with UV detection. The calibration curves were linear in the concentration range of 100-1000 μg L(-1) for 3,6-dichloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid (dicamba) and 500-3000 μg L(-1) for 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), while the detection limits were 30 and 135 μg L(-1) for dicamba and 2,4-D, respectively. The monitoring of the photocatalytic degradation (TiO2 anatase/UV 254 nm) of these two herbicides was performed by MSFIA-SPE system using a small sample volume (2 mL) in a fully automated approach. The degradation was assessed in ultrapure and drinking water with initial concentrations of 1000 and 2000 μg L(-1) for dicamba and 2,4-D, respectively. Degradation percentages of approximately 85% were obtained for both herbicides in ultrapure water after 45 min of photocatalytic treatment. A similar degradation efficiency in drinking water was observed for 2,4-D, whereas dicamba exhibited a lower degradation percentage (75%), which could be attributed to the presence of inorganic species in this kind of water.

Determination of cyantraniliprole and its major metabolite residues in vegetable and soil using ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry

A rapid, highly sensitive and selective method was developed for the determination of the cyantraniliprole and its major metabolite J9Z38 in cucumber, tomato and soil by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Target compounds were extracted with acetonitrile and an aliquot cleaned with primary and secondary amine. Two pairs of precursor product ion transitions for cyantraniliprole and J9Z38 were measured and evaluated. Average recoveries for cucumber, tomato and soil at three levels (10, 50 and 100 µg/kg) ranged from 74.7 to 96.2% with intra-day relative standard deviation (RSD) of 2.6-15.1% and inter-day RSD of 3.4-13.3%. The limit of quantitation for cyantraniliprole and J9Z38 were determined to be 5 and 10 µg/kg in samples (cucumber, tomato and soil), respectively. This method was used to determine the cyantraniliprole and J9Z38 residues in real cucumber, tomato and soil samples for studies on their dissipation. The trial results showed that the half-lives of cyantraniliprole obtained after treatments were 2.2, 2.8 and 9.5 days in cucumber, tomato and soil in Zhejiang, respectively, and that the average levels of cyantraniliprole and J9Z38 residues in cucumber and tomato were all <0.01 mg/kg with the interval of 10 days after treatment.