Determination of 103 Pesticides and Their Main Metabolites in Animal Origin Food by QuEChERS and Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Multi-residue determination of biocides in dairy products and slurry feed using QuEChERS extraction and liquid chromatography combined with high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-QOrbitrap™-MS)

Given that the determination of biocides in food and feed is currently not routinely done, more information on these compounds is useful for consumer's safety. This work describes a sensitive and reliable method for quantitative analysis of a wide range of biocides in dairy products and slurry feed. The method comprises acetate-buffered QuEChERS extraction without clean-up. Analyses were performed by LC-Q-Orbitrap™-MS and a full-scan acquisition event without fragmentation was followed by five fragmentation events (data-independent acquisition-DIA). The quantitative validation was performed according to SANTE/11312/2021 at 10, 50 and 200 ng g-1 spiking levels, and the results showed that the vast majority of the compounds met the criteria for trueness and precision. The LOQ was 10 ng g-1 for the majority of biocides depending on the matrix. The method was successfully applied to quantify biocides in dairy products and feed.

Pesticide residues in animal-derived food: Current state and perspectives

Pesticides are widely used in the cultivation and breeding of agricultural products all over the world. However, their direct use or indirect pollution in animal breeding may lead to residual accumulation, migration, and metabolism in animal-derived foods, posing potential health risks to humans through the food chain. Therefore, it is necessary to detect pesticide residues in animal-derived food using simple, reliable, and sensitive methods. This review summarizes sample extraction and clean-up methods, as well as the instrumental determination technologies such as chromatography and chromatography-mass spectrometry for residual analysis in animal-derived foods, including meat, eggs and milk. Additionally, we perspectives on the future of this field. This information aims to assist relevant researchers in this area, contribute to the development of ideas and novel technical methods for residual detection, metabolic research and risk assessment of pesticides in animal-derived food.

Method development, validation, and risk assessment of multiple pesticide residues of fruits in China

In this study, a muti-residue analysis method of 40 pesticides in five different categories of fruits in China was developed based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Five hundred real samples were analyzed and assessed for the dietary exposure risk. The sample treatment method was optimized by comparing four clean-up methods. The matrix effects of different fruits were evaluated. The analytical method was validated in terms of linearity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), accuracy, and precision. The results showed that the optimal method was the treatment by clean up with ODS (octadecylsilane) and MgSO4. The matrix effect was the strongest in orange and weakest in apple. The LOD and LOQ of pesticides were 0.04-5.9 μg kg-1 and 0.13-19.5 μg kg-1, respectively. The recoveries at three spiked levels were ranged from 71.2 to 115.2% with the RSDs from 0.1 to 19.6%. Twenty-two pesticides were detected in 500 fruit samples from the major production regions of China, with concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 1930 μg kg-1. A total of 13, 10, 9, 8, and 4 pesticides were detected in peach, orange, grape, apple, and strawberry. Both the acceptable daily intake (ADI) and acute reference dose (ARfD) for all the detected pesticides were lower than 100%, indicating that the dietary intake risks are acceptable and would not pose potential health risks.

Simultaneous determination of triazole fungicides in animal-origin food by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry

A method for the simultaneous determination of 21 triazole fungicides in animal-origin foods was established by using UPLC-MS/MS. The dilution solvent, extraction solvent, and QuEChERS purification adsorbent composition, were optimized. The response value of the target compound was the highest and the chromatographic peak shape was optimal under the following conditions: water-acetonitrile as the mobile phase, acetonitrile to extract the target compound, C18 (100 mg) as the adsorbent, and water-acetonitrile as the diluent. Our method was validated under electrospray ionization (ESI) + conditions with six animal-origin foods. The 21 triazole fungicides showed good linear relationships (0.1-20 μg∙L-1, R2 > 0.99). The limits of detection and quantitation ranged from 0.1 to 0.3 μg∙kg-1 and 0.3 to 0.9 μg∙kg-1, respectively. The average recoveries ranged from 72.0% to 114.8% with RSDs < 9.9%. Therefore, our method was suitable for the determination of pesticide residues in commercially available animal-origin samples.

Surveillance of ochratoxin A in cocoa beans from cocoa-growing regions of Ghana

Cocoa is one of the agricultural commodities which is highly susceptible to mycotoxin contamination. During two crop/harvest seasons, the occurrence and distribution of ochratoxin A (OTA) in viable commercial cocoa beans were investigated. The cocoa bean samples were collected randomly from farmers across cocoa-growing regions of Ghana. OTA concentrations in the samples were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methods following purification on immunoaffinity solid phase column. The result showed that 21.7% of all samples analyzed were contaminated with OTA at concentrations ranging from 0.01 μg/kg to 12.36 μg/kg. The Western South region had the highest occurrence of OTA-positive samples at 32.5%, followed by the Western North region at 28.75%, the Eastern and Volta regions at 25% each, Brong Ahafo (16.25%), Central (15%) and the Ashanti region at 11.25%. However, 0.9% and 3.5% of the total OTA-positive samples exceeded the OTA maximum limits of 10 μg/kg for cocoa beans and 3 μg/kg for cocoa powder, set by the Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency and the European Commission, respectively. During the Main and Light crop seasons, the highest concentrations of OTA were detected in the Western North region, reaching up to 12.36 μg/kg and 3.45 μg/kg, respectively. OTA concentrations between the cocoa-growing regions in the Main crop season were not significantly different (p > 0.05), however, the Light crop season indicated a significant difference (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the two crop seasons. The need for regular monitoring and careful adherence to agronomic strategies such as good agricultural practices (GAPs), recommended code of practices (COPs) and good manufacturing practices (GMPs) for the prevention and reduction of OTA throughout the cocoa value chain cannot be overemphasized.

Wide-Scope Multi-residue analysis of pesticides in beef by gas chromatography coupled with quadrupole Orbitrap mass spectrometry

Increasing pesticide contamination in foods of animal origin has made the wide-scope multi-residue analysis of pesticides an international concern. By using 191 pesticides, this study investigates a sensitive and reliable method for multi-residue analysis of pesticides in beef to determine the extent of the application of this method. The QuEChERS method was employed to extract and purify the pesticides as C18 was utilized as the absorbents. Then, the purified pesticides were analysed using gas chromatography - quadrupole orbitrap mass spectrometry (GC-Q-Orbitrap-MS). The validation test results revealed that this method was satisfactorily sensitive since its screening detection limit (SDL) ranged from 0.2 to 100 µg∙kg^-1. The recovery tests implemented at three spiking levels, namely 100, 200, and 500 µg∙kg^-1, generated the results of 71.95 %-113.97 %, while the intra- and inter-day precisions were 0.27 %-17.94 %, indicating that this method had excellent accuracy and precision.

Validation of a Multi-Residue Analysis Method for 287 Pesticides in Citrus Fruits Mandarin Orange and Grapefruit Using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Since the introduction of the positive list system (PLS) for agricultural products in the Republic of Korea, the demand for a quick, easy multi-residue analysis method increased continuously. Herein, the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) technique combined with liquid chromatography−tandem mass spectrometry was employed to optimize a method for the multi-residue analysis of 287 pesticide residues in mandarin orange and grapefruit. Method validation was conducted in terms of selectivity, limit of quantitation (LOQ), linearity, accuracy, precision, and matrix effect. All the compounds at low spiking levels (1, 2.5, 5, or 10 mg/kg) could be quantified at LOQs lower than 0.01 mg/kg (PLS level). The linearity of the matrix-matched calibration curve for each compound is in the range 0.5−50 μg/L, and its coefficient of determination (R2) is >0.990. Satisfactory recovery values of 70−120% with a relative standard deviation of ≤20% are obtained for all compounds in the mandarin orange and grapefruit samples. A negligible matrix effect (−20−20%) is observed for more than 94.8% and 85.4% of the pesticides in mandarin orange and grapefruit, respectively. Therefore, this analytical method can contribute to pesticide residue analyses of citrus fruits for routine laboratory testing.

Research and Application of In Situ Sample-Processing Methods for Rapid Simultaneous Detection of Pyrethroid Pesticides in Vegetables

A novel rapid and cost-effective pre-processing method for the simultaneous determination of pyrethroid pesticides in vegetables has been developed and validated. The process of pesticide extraction was carried out by the QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe) method combined with filtration by filter paper, and cleanup was carried out by the multi-plug-filtration-cleanup (m-PFC) method with no centrifuge program during the whole process. The pre-processing method is optimized for gas chromatography (GC). The process is convenient and time saving, requiring just a few seconds per sample. The recovery rate (70–120%), limit of detection (0.0001–0.007 mg/kg), precision (0.2–9.3%) and accuracy for each analyte were determined in 10 representative vegetables with good results. Finally, the feasibility of the developed method was further confirmed by the successful determination of pyrethroid-pesticide residues in pyrethroid-containing practical samples within the processing method coupled with thin-layer chromatography and a colloidal-gold test strip.

Development of multi-residue extraction procedures using QuEChERS and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry for the determination of different types of organic pollutants in mussel

This study aimed to develop multi-residue methods for the extraction of organic pollutants in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis), including 11 pharmaceuticals, 5 pesticides, 5 perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and 2 illicit drugs. The combination of 4 different QuEChERS methods and 12 clean-ups (a total of 44 combinations) was tested. QuEChERS included acidified (AQ), non-acidified (SQ) and their miniaturized versions. The clean-ups included 6 different conventional dispersive solid phase extraction (dSPE) plus 2 enhanced matrix removal (EMR-Lipid) and 4 SPE procedures (including sorbents focused on phospholipid removal and polymer-based). After sample analysis via HPLC-MS/MS, the three methods that provided the best results were validated in terms of linearity, accuracy, precision, sensitivity and matrix effect. The methods selected were the combination of (i) SQ and EMR-Lipid, (ii) AQ and Z-sep+ bulk-based dSPE and (iii) AQ and graphitized carbon black (GCB)-based dSPE. Recoveries at two concentration levels (50 and 500 ng/g) ranged 54-124%, 59-124% and 60-127%, respectively, and limits of quantification (LOQs) were < 30 ng/g for most analytes using any of the methods. The three methods were tested in non-spiked mussel samples purchased in local markets, but organic pollutants were not detected in any sample. However, the methods probed to successfully extract a wide range of organic pollutants families in mussel samples from the market and from bioaccumulation trials.

Z-sep+ based QuEChERS technique for the pre-concentration of malathion pesticide in fruits followed by analysis using UV-Vis spectroscopy

In this work, the concentrations of malathion in fruits were determined using UV-Vis spectrophotometry prior to pre-concentration using QuEChERS. The Z-sep⁺/PSA sorbent combination was used for the d-SPE clean-up and extraction was done using acetonitrile during QuEChERS. The absorbance of malathion was measured using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 415 nm. The QuEChERS parameters, which included type and volume of extraction solvent, type and mass of sorbents, and centrifugation rate, were optimised prior to application of the developed method to real fruit samples. The linear range was from 0.1 to 0.9 mg kg^-1 while the coefficient of determination (R²) was 0.9999. The limit of detection (LOD) for malathion was found to be 0.017 mg kg^-1 and the limit of quantification was 0.05 mg kg^-1. Orange samples were found to have no malathion residues when the developed method was applied to them while the concentrations of malathion in apple and pear samples were 0.07 mg kg^-1 and 0.09 mg kg^-1 respectively.

Review of pesticide residue analysis in fruits and vegetables. Pre-treatment, extraction and detection techniques

A wide variety of pesticides have been used in agriculture to increase the yield, quality and extend the storage life of crops. However, the use of pesticide has been increased now a day due to the ever-increasing population and rapid urbanization. The continuous uses of these pesticides have resulted in contamination of the environment, crops and also caused potential risk to human health. For this reason, strict regulations are developed and regulated to monitor these compounds. To date, several techniques have been developed for the extraction and detection of pesticides, from traditional to advanced detection techniques. The present study delineates a comprehensive up to date overview of the available traditional methods (gas chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with various detector) to advanced pre-treatment (polystyrene-coated magnetic nanoparticle) and detection (sensor development and nanotechnology) techniques used in the analysis of pesticides residue in various fruits and vegetables. Also, categorization of pesticides and its toxicity have been discussed.

LC-MS/MS method for the determination of organophosphorus pesticides and their metabolites in salmon and zebrafish fed with plant-based feed ingredients

The composition of Atlantic salmon feed has changed considerably over the last two decades from being marine-based (fishmeal and fish oil) to mainly containing plant ingredients. Consequently, concern related to traditional persistent contaminants typically associated with fish-based feed has been replaced by other potential contaminants not previously associated with salmon farming. This is the case for many pesticides, which are used worldwide to increase food production, and may be present in plant ingredients. Earlier studies have identified two organophosphorus pesticides, chlorpyrifos-methyl and pirimiphos-methyl, in plant ingredients used for aquafeed production. In the present study, we developed a reliable and sensitive analytical method, based on liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry, for the determination of these pesticides and their main metabolites in warm water (zebrafish) and cold water (Atlantic salmon) species, where possible differences in metabolites could be expected. The method was tested in whole zebrafish and in different salmon tissues, such as muscle, bile, kidney, fat, and liver. The final objective of this work was to assess kinetics of chlorpyrifos-methyl and pirimiphos-methyl and their main metabolites in fish tissue, in order to fill the knowledge gaps on these metabolites in fish tissues when fed over prolonged time.

Determination of 107 Pesticide Residues in Wolfberry with Acetate-buffered Salt Extraction and Sin-QuEChERS Nano Column Purification Coupled with Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry

A multi-residue method for the determination of 107 pesticide residues in wolfberry has been developed and validated. Similar pretreatment approaches were compared, and the linearity, matrix effect, analysis limits, precision, stability and accuracy were validated, which verifies the satisfactory performance of this new method. The LODs and LOQs were in the range of 0.14–1.91 µg/kg and 0.46–6.37 µg/kg, respectively. The recovery of analytes at three fortification levels (10 µg/kg, 50 µg/kg, 100 µg/kg) ranged from 63.3–123.0%, 72.0–118.6% and 67.0–118.3%, respectively, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) below 15.0%. The proposed method was applied to the analysis of fifty wolfberry samples collected from supermarkets, pharmacies and farmers’ markets in different cities of Shandong Province. One hundred percent of the samples analyzed included at least one pesticide, and a total of 26 pesticide residues was detected in fifty samples, which mainly were insecticides and bactericide. Several pesticides with higher detection rates were 96% for acetamiprid, 82% for imidacloprid, 54% for thiophanate-methyl, 50% for blasticidin-S, 42% for carbendazim, 42% for tebuconazole and 36% for difenoconazole in wolfberry samples. This study proved the adaptability of the developed method to the detection of multiple pesticide residues in wolfberry and provided basis for the research on the risks to wolfberry health.

Relationship between the Structure of Ionic Liquid and Its Enrichment Ability To Trace Fungicides from an Environmental Water Sample

To elucidate the relationship between the structure of ionic liquid (IL) and its enrichment ability to trace pesticides from an environmental water sample, a series of imidazole-based ILs were synthesized to extract four fungicides (boscalid, cyprodinil, fluazinam, and pyrimethanil) through an in situ ionic liquid dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction method. The results showed that aromatic heterocyclic monocation ionic liquids (MILs) had better extraction ability to fungicides than other three alicyclic heterocyclic MILs. Dication ionic liquids (DILs) with the four carbons at the side chain had better ability to extract fungicides than MILs, and DILs with a long bridge carbon chain had better recoveries of fungicides with low K_ow values. The proposed method showed high mean enrichment factors and high recoveries of the fungicides from real water samples. The rules of the relationship between the structure of IL and enrichment ability are instructive to the application of ILs in pretreatment of complex substances.

Multiresidue method for detection of pesticides in beef meat using liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry detection (LC-MS) after QuEChERS extraction

Beef meat is an important food that can be contaminated by pesticides. This study aimed to optimize a multiresidue method for identification and quantification of pesticides in beef meat by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry detection (LC-MS). The extraction and clean-up procedures were adapted from the QuECHERS method. From the 188 analytes tested, the method was validated as qualitative method for 19 compounds and as quantitative method for 152 compounds. The results were satisfactory, yielding coefficients of variation of less than 20% and recoveries ranging from 70% to 120% and expanded uncertainty of less than 50%. The quantification limit was typically 10 µg kg^-1 (but 25 µg kg^-1 for 12 of the compounds) and the detection limit was 5.0 µg kg^-1. Thirty-two real samples of commercialized beef meat were analyzed without any residual pesticide being found. Thus, the results showed that the multiresidue method for detecting 171 pesticides, using adapted QuECHERS for extraction and LC-MS for detection, is suitable for analyzing beef meat.

Approach for Pesticide Residue Analysis for Metabolite Prothioconazole-desthio in Animal Origin Food

Food safety problems such as damage to immune, nervous, and endocrine systems leading to cancer and malformations have received increasing attention. To achieve the maximum residue limits, the most discussed method of high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) is widely used with a advantage of high precision and resolution. Prothioconazole is a broad-spectrum thiocarbamate fungicide. It can rapidly metabolize to prothioconazole-desthio in different matrixes. Rapid and effective methods for the determination of prothioconazole-desthio in five kinds of different animal food were developed. Samples were extracted with acetonitrile or acetonitrile/water and determined by HPLC-MS/MS. The limit of detection and limit of quantification values of prothioconazole-desthio were 0.015 and 0.05 mg/kg for porcine liver and kidney, 0.0015 and 0.005 mg/kg for pork, and 0.003 and 0.01 mg/kg for eggs, together with 0.0012 and 0.004 mg/kg for milk of the detected method, respectively. A good linear regression trend can be observed in a certain concentration range for all of the animal food. At fortified levels, recoveries were between 83.6 and 105%, with relative standard deviations of 1.5-10.3%. A sample survey of 150 samples with 30 samples for each kind of animal food across the country was conducted and found that there was no prothioconazole-desthio detected in all samples.