QuEChERS - Fundamentals, relevant improvements, applications and future trends

Identification and quantification of flavor compounds in smoked tuna fish based on GC-Orbitrap volatolomics approach

Cold smoking enhances the appeal of fish products, offering consumers a smooth texture and a delicate smoky flavor. This study aims to explore variations in the volatile profile from different exposure times during cold smoking processing (light, moderate, and full-cure) in tune samples. An innovative untargeted analytical approach, headspace solid-phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography and a hybrid quadrupole-orbitrap mass analyzer, was employed to identify 86 volatiles associated with the cold smoking process. Most of these compounds, including phenols, furan derivates, aldehydes, cyclic ketones, and different aromatic species, were found to contribute to the smoke odor. The development of a QuEChERS-based extraction and clean-up method facilitated the quantification of 25 relevant smoky markers across all smoking degrees, revealing significant concentration differences after 15 h of smoking. This research sheds light on the dynamics of cold smoking impact and its on the flavor profile and safety quality of processed fish products.

Traceability of chemicals from Tripterygium Wilfordii Hook. f. in raw honey and the potential synergistic effects of honey on acute toxicity induced by celastrol and triptolide

The object of this study was to trace TwHf-derived toxins in raw honey and clarify their acute toxic effect related to the addition of honey or sugars. TwHf flowers, raw honey from TwHf planting base and from beekeepers in high-risk area were detected using LC-MS/MS. The results revealed five target toxins were detected in TwHf flowers; only celastrol was detected in one raw honey sample, as a food safety risk factor, celastrol had been traced back to TwHf flowers from raw honey. In a series of acute toxic tests on zebrafish, toxification effects were observed when honey, mimic honey or sugar was mixed with toxins. The degree of toxicity varied among various sugar-based solutions. At the same mass concentration, they follow this order: raw honey/mimic honey > glucose > fructose. The main toxic target organs of triptolide and celastrol with honey were the heart and liver.

Nitrophenols in the environment: An update on pretreatment and analysis techniques since 2017

Nitrophenols, a versatile intermediate, have been widely used in leather, medicine, chemical synthesis, and other fields. Because these components are widely applied, they can enter the environment through various routes, leading to many hazards and toxicities. There has been a recent surge in the development of simple, rapid, environmentally friendly, and effective techniques for determining these environmental pollutants. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research progress on the pretreatment and analysis methods of nitrophenols since 2017, with a focus on environmental samples. Pretreatment methods include liquid-liquid extraction, solid-phase extraction, dispersive extraction, and microextraction methods. Analysis methods mainly include liquid chromatography-based methods, gas chromatography-based methods, supercritical fluid chromatography. In addition, this review also discusses and compares the advantages/disadvantages and development prospects of different pretreatment and analysis methods to provide a reference for further research.

Analysis of highly polar anionic pesticides in food of plant and animal origin by ion chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry with emphasis on addressing adverse effects caused by matrix co-extractives

Residues of various highly polar pesticides and their metabolites are commonly found in numerous food products. Some of these compounds, such as glyphosate, are not only used in large amounts in agriculture, but are also controversially discussed in public. Here, we present a method, employing ion chromatography (IC) coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (IC-MS/MS), for the analyses of glyphosate, aminomethyl phosphonic acid (AMPA), N-acetyl-glyphosate (NAGly), fosetyl, and 10 further highly polar pesticides and metabolites in various plant and animal matrices following a minimal sample preparation by means of the QuPPe method. Thorough investigations showed that an AS19 column enabled the analysis of all 14 compounds within 30 min. The best sensitivity could be obtained with the make-up solvent acetonitrile being admixed to the mobile phase at a 1:2 flow rate ratio. Matrix effects were thoroughly studied in terms of ion suppression and retention time shifts. Conductivity detection was used to monitor elution profiles of matrix co-extractives in comparison with matrix effect profiles obtained by continuous post-column infusion of a mix with 13 highly polar pesticides and metabolites. These tests indicated that a fivefold dilution of QuPPe extracts was suitable for the routine analysis of samples for MRL-conformity, as it considerably reduced matrix effects maintaining sufficient sensitivity and high recovery rates in eight different commodities. The suitability of the final method for its application in routine analysis was verified by the analysis of >130 samples containing incurred residues where the results were compared with two existing LC-MS/MS methods.

Distribution pattern analysis of multiple antibiotics in the soil-rice system using a QuEChERS extraction method

Antibiotics are commonly released into paddy fields as mixtures via human activities. However, the simultaneous extraction and detection of these chemicals from multiple media are technically challenging due to their different physicochemical properties, resulting in unclear patterns of their transport in the soil-rice system. In this study, a "quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe" (QuEChERS) method was developed for the simultaneous analysis of 4 tetracyclines (TCs) and 4 fluoroquinolones (FQs) in the soil and rice tissues from a local poultry farm, and thereby the distribution patterns of the target antibiotics in the soil-rice system and their risk levels to the soil were analyzed. After parameter optimization, the calibration range used for the target antibiotics was 0.1-50 μg/L and each calibration curve was linear with a coefficient of determination (R2 > 0.995); The QuEChERS method achieved satisfactory recovery rates (70.3-124.6%) along with sensitive detection limits (0.005-0.21 ng/g) for TCs and FQs in the soil, root, stem, leaf, and grain. Among the 8 antibiotics, enrofloxacin (ENX), ciprofloxacin (CIP), oxytetracycline (OTC), and doxycycline (DOX) were detected around a poultry farm. The four antibiotics in the collected paddy soils around the poultry farm ranged from 7.1 ng/g to 395.5 ng/g. Notably, ENX and DOX had higher ecological risks (risk quotient values >1) than CIP and OTC in soil. ENX, CIP, and DOX were highly enriched in rice roots with concentrations up to 471.9, 857.3, and 547.4 ng/g, respectively, which were also detected in rice aboveground tissues. The findings may provide both technical and practical guidance for the understanding of antibiotic environmental behavior and risks.

Rapid Sample Pretreatment Facilitating SERS Detection of Trace Weak Organic Acids/Bases in Complex Matrices

Fast and efficient sample pretreatment is the prerequisite for realizing surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) detection of trace targets in complex matrices, which is still a big issue for the practical application of SERS. Recently, we have proposed a highly performed liquid-liquid extraction (LLE)-back extraction (BE) for weak acids/bases extraction in drinking water and beverage samples. However, the performance efficiency decreased drastically on facing matrices like food and biological blood. Based on the total interaction energies among target, interferent, and extractant molecules, solid-phase extraction (SPE) with a higher selectivity was introduced in advance of LLE-BE, which enabled the sensitive (μg L-1 level) and rapid (within 10 min) SERS detection of both koumine (a weak base) and celastrol (a weak acid) in different food and biological samples. Further, the high SERS sensitivity was determined unmanned by Vis-CAD (a machine learning algorithm), instead of the highly demanded expert recognition. The generality of SPE-LLE-BE for various weak acids/bases (2 < pKa < 12), accompanied by the high efficiency, easy operation, and low cost, offers SERS as a powerful on-site and efficient inspection tool in food safety and forensics.

Recent Advanced Methods for Extracting and Analyzing Cannabinoids from Cannabis-Infused Edibles and Detecting Hemp-Derived Contaminants in Food (2013-2023): A Comprehensive Review

Cannabis-infused edibles are food products infused with a cannabis extract. These edibles include baked goods, candies, and beverages, offering an alternative way to consume cannabis instead of smoking or vaporizing it. Ensuring the accurate detection of cannabis-infused edibles and identification of any contaminants is crucial for public health and safety. This is particularly important for compliance with legal regulations as these substances can have significant psychoactive effects, especially on unsuspecting consumers such as children or individuals with certain medical conditions. Using efficient extraction methods can greatly improve detection accuracy, ensuring that the concentration of cannabinoids in edibles is measured correctly and adheres to dosage guidelines and legal limits. This review comprehensively examines the preparation and extraction techniques for cannabinoid edibles. It covers methods such as solid-phase extraction, enhanced matrix removal-lipid, QuEChERS, dissolution and dispersion techniques, liquid-phase extraction, and other emerging methodologies along with analytical techniques for cannabinoid analysis. The main analytical techniques employed for the determination of cannabinoids include liquid chromatography (LC), gas chromatography (GC), direct analysis in real time (DART), and mass spectrometry (MS). The application of these extraction and analytical techniques is further demonstrated through their use in analyzing specific edible samples, including oils, candies, beverages, solid coffee and tea, snacks, pet food, and contaminated products.

Development and validation of an analytical method based on QuEChERS followed by UHPLC-ToF-MS for the determination of tropane alkaloids in buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum L.) and buckwheat products

A method was developed for the determination of tropane alkaloids (TAs), including atropine, scopolamine, anisodamine and homatropine in buckwheat and related products. This work presents an optimised methodology based on QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe) extraction procedure followed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography combined with time-of-flight mass spectrometry for the determination of TAs (atropine, scopolamine, anisodamine and homatropine) in buckwheat samples. The analytical methodology was successfully validated, demonstrating good linearity, low limit of quantification, repeatability (RSDr < 15%), inter-day precision (RSDR < 19%) and recovery (74-113%). Finally, 13 commercial samples of buckwheat were analysed and the results demonstrated that they were in compliance with the current European regulations regarding TAs.

Monitoring of seven pesticide residues by LC-MS/MS in extra virgin olive oil samples and risk assessment for consumers

Residue levels of seven pesticides were analyzed in thirty-five samples of Extra Virgin Olive Oil to assess the health risk of consuming Italian oils correlated with the presence of these pesticides. An in-house analytical procedure was developed and validated, consisting of a specific dispersive solid-phase extraction using the QuEChERS technique and a qualitative-quantitative analysis using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Thirty-four percent of the samples were contaminated with pesticide residues; in the concentration range of 0.53-0.56 ng/mL for imazalil, 1.11-1.56 ng/mL for acetamiprid-N-desmethyl, 1.28-1.46 ng/mL for clothianidin, 0.94-1.49 ng/mL for thiacloprid, 1.08-4.64 ng/mL for dinotefuran, 0.42-1.47 ng/mL for thiamethoxam, 0.42-6.14 ng/mL for imidacloprid). Risk assessment was evaluated using the hazard quotient, hazard index, and Pesticide Residue Intake Model by EFSA. All hazard indices confirmed that the concentrations of pesticides detected in the oil samples did not represent a short or long-term risk for consumers' health.

A case of lacosamide and mirtazapine self-poisoning

Lacosamide is a relatively new antiepileptic drug that exerts its anticonvulsant effect by selectively inactivating sodium channels. Since its launch, it has been used widely for the treatment of intractable epilepsy, but there are scant data on the toxic or lethal blood concentrations. Here, we report a case of drug poisoning following simultaneous high-dose self-administration of lacosamide and mirtazapine. We developed and validated an approach that uses liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry to determine the concentrations of lacosamide and mirtazapine in cadaveric blood, urine and liver. Calibration curves showed good linearity (r2 > 0.995), and our method enabled repeatable and accurate quantification, with intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation not exceeding 10.9 % and 12.8 %, respectively, for each target drug. We used the method to measure the drug concentrations in the blood of a dead victim and found a lacosamide concentration of 91.9 μg/mL and a mirtazapine concentration of 12.0 μg/mL. The blood mirtazapine concentration was in the lethal range, and that of lacosamide was about 10 times the therapeutic range. The synergistically central nervous system depressive and cardiotoxic effects of these drugs may have contributed to the cause of death. We concluded that the cause of death in this case was lacosamide and mirtazapine poisoning.

Development of a highly sensitive method based on QuEChERS and GC-MS/MS for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in infant foods

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are environmental contaminants that can be found in various food products, including those intended for infants. Due to their potential health risks, it is crucial to develop sensitive analytical methods for the accurate determination of PAHs in infant foods. This study describes the development and validation of a highly sensitive method for the quantification of European PAH markers, namely benzo[a]pyrene, benzo[a]anthracene, chrysene, and benzo[b]fluoranthene, using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS), in baby food samples. The first step was the optimization of the sample preparation procedure, performed using different methods based on the QuEChERS approach, also testing different extraction solvents. Several factors such as extraction efficiency, selectivity, and recovery were evaluated to choose the most effective procedure for sample preparation. Furthermore, the GC-MS/MS method was optimized, evaluating parameters such as linearity, sensitivity, accuracy, and robustness using spiked infant food samples. The method demonstrated excellent linearities with a correlation coefficient higher than 0.999 over a wide concentration range, and limits of detection and limits of quantification in the range 0.019-0.036 μg/kg and 0.06-0.11 μg/kg, respectively. Extraction recoveries were between 73.1 and 110.7%, with relative standard deviations always lower than 8%. These findings are compliant with the indications of the European Commission (Reg. 836/2011). To assess the applicability of the method to official control activities, a survey was conducted on commercially available infant food products. Four markers were determined in commercial samples belonging to different food categories for infants and young children. The outcome of this monitoring showed that PAH contamination, in all samples, was below the quantification limits. In conclusion, the developed GC-MS/MS method provides a highly sensitive and reliable approach for the determination of PAHs in baby foods. The optimized sample preparation, instrumental parameters, and validation results ensure accurate quantification of 4 PAHs even at trace levels. This method could contribute to the assessment of PAH exposure in infants and it could support regulatory efforts to ensure the safety and quality of infant food products with regular monitoring.

Comparative study of sample preparation procedures to determine the main compounds in ayahuasca beverages by QuEChERS and high-performance liquid chromatography analysis

INTRODUCTION

Ayahuasca is a psychoactive drink originally consumed by indigenous people of the Amazon. The lack of regulation of this drink leads to uncontrolled consumption, and it is often consumed in religious contexts.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this work is to compare three miniaturised extraction techniques for extracting the main ayahuasca compounds from beverages.

METHODOLOGY

Three sample pretreatment techniques were evaluated (dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction [DLLME], microextraction by packed sorbent [MEPS] and QuEChERS [Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe]) for the simultaneous extraction of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), tetrahydroharmine (THH), harmine, harmaline, harmol and harmalol from ayahuasca beverage samples. Then, the most promising technique (QuEChERS) was chosen to pre-concentrate the analytes, subsequently detected by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD).

RESULTS

The procedure was optimised, with the final conditions being 500 μL of extractor solvent, 85 mg of primary secondary amine (PSA) and 4 s of vortexing. The analytical method was validated, showing to be linear between 0.16 and 10 μg/mL for β-carbolines and between 0.016 and 1 μg/mL for DMT, with coefficients of determination (R2) between 0.9968 and 0.9993. The limit of detection (LOD) and lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) were 0.16 μg/mL for all compounds, except for DMT (0.016 μg/mL) and extraction efficiencies varied between 60.2% and 88.0%.

CONCLUSION

The analytical methodology proved to be accurate and precise, with good linearity, LODs and LLOQs. This method has been fully validated and successfully applied to ayahuasca beverage samples.

Simultaneous Analysis of 272 Pesticides in Agricultural Products by the QuEChERS Method and Gas Chromatography with Tandem Mass Spectrometry

The aim of this study is to develop a rapid and accurate method for simultaneous analysis of multi-residue pesticides and conduct pesticide monitoring in agricultural products produced by the production and distribution stage in Korea. The representative agricultural products were selected as brown rice, soybean, potato, mandarin, and green pepper and developed using gas chromatography with tandem mass (GC-MS/MS) for the analysis of 272 pesticide residues. The experimental samples were extracted by the QuEChERS-EN method and then cleaned up by using d-SPE, including MgSO4 and primary secondary amine (PSA) sorbents. The established method was validated in accordance with Codex CAC-GL/40, and the limit of quantitation (LOQ) was determined to be 0.01 mg/kg. A total of 243 pesticides satisfied the guidelines in five samples at three levels with values of 60 to 120% (recovery) and ≤45% (coefficient of variation, CV). The remaining 29 pesticides did not satisfy the guidelines, and these pesticides are expected to be used as a screening method for the routine inspection of agricultural products. As a result of analyzing 223 agricultural products in South Korea by applying the simultaneous analysis method, none of the detected levels in the samples exceeded the standard values based on maximum residue limits (MRLs). The developed method in this study will be used to inspect residual pesticides in agricultural products, and it is anticipated to contribute to the distribution of safe agricultural products to consumers.

A comprehensive review of mycotoxins: Toxicology, detection, and effective mitigation approaches

Mycotoxins, harmful compounds produced by fungal pathogens, pose a severe threat to food safety and consumer health. Some commonly produced mycotoxins such as aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, fumonisins, trichothecenes, zearalenone, and patulin have serious health implications in humans and animals. Mycotoxin contamination is particularly concerning in regions heavily reliant on staple foods like grains, cereals, and nuts. Preventing mycotoxin contamination is crucial for a sustainable food supply. Chromatographic methods like thin layer chromatography (TLC), gas chromatography (GC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and liquid chromatography coupled with a mass spectrometer (LC/MS), are commonly used to detect mycotoxins; however, there is a need for on-site, rapid, and cost-effective detection methods. Currently, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), lateral flow assays (LFAs), and biosensors are becoming popular analytical tools for rapid detection. Meanwhile, preventing mycotoxin contamination is crucial for food safety and a sustainable food supply. Physical, chemical, and biological approaches have been used to inhibit fungal growth and mycotoxin production. However, new strains resistant to conventional methods have led to the exploration of novel strategies like cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) technology, polyphenols and flavonoids, magnetic materials and nanoparticles, and natural essential oils (NEOs). This paper reviews recent scientific research on mycotoxin toxicity, explores advancements in detecting mycotoxins in various foods, and evaluates the effectiveness of innovative mitigation strategies for controlling and detoxifying mycotoxins.

Optimization and Application of the QuEChERS-UHPLC-QTOF-MS Method for the Determination of Broflanilide Residues in Agricultural Soils

In this study, the separation conditions of UHPLC-QTOF-MS and the extraction conditions of QuEChERS were optimized. The analytical process for determining Broflanilide residues in different soil types was successfully established and applied to its adsorption, desorption, and leaching in soil. Broflanilide was extracted from soil with acetonitrile and purified using PSA and MgSO4. The modified UHPLC-QTOF-MS method was used for quantification. The average recovery of Broflanilide was between 87.7% and 94.38%, with the RSD lower than 7.6%. In the analysis of adsorption, desorption, and leaching quantities in four soil types, the RSD was less than 9.2%, showing good stability of the method, which can be applied to determine the residue of Broflanilide in different soils.

Comprehensive multiresidue chromatographic methods for monitoring pesticides in agricultural areas and corresponding plant protection zones

This article reports a comprehensive analytical method for the identification and quantification of a broad range of pesticides in green plant crops. The sample preparation method for pesticides involved an optimization of the QuEChERS-based extraction protocol, with sample mass, volume of added water, and the type of cleanup sorbent as variables. A sorbent combination based on ENVI-Carb and ChloroFiltr was examined. A highly efficient method was developed for the purification of plant extracts with 900 mg MgSO4, 150 mg PSA, and 15 mg ENVI-Carb at the d-SPE stage, combined with gas chromatography and liquid tandem mass spectrometry for the determination of 197 pesticides in crop plants containing chlorophyll. The method was validated in accordance with the requirements of international guidelines SANTE/11312/2021. The method was applied to quantify pesticide residues in 29 pairs of green crop plants and plants from the corresponding crop protection zone to verify whether the zones are effective barriers to prevent pesticides from penetrating outside agricultural areas. The number and types of agrochemical preparations were chosen by farmers. In total, more than 60 one- and several-component pesticide formulations were applied to the crops included in the study. The pesticide residues were detected in 21 crop samples and 3 samples from protection zones. Epoxiconazole, an active substance that was banned for use in 2021, was found in a spring barley sample. Based on the conducted research, the effectiveness of the protection zones has been clearly demonstrated, and it has been proven that environmental migration of pesticides and unauthorized agricultural practices pose a risk to ecosystems.

Improved matrix purification using a graphene oxide-coated melamine sponge for UPLC-MS/MS-based determination of 37 veterinary drugs in milks

A rapid and highly sensitive method was established for the analysis of 37 veterinary drug residues in milk using a modified QuEChERS method based on a reduced graphene oxide-coated melamine sponge (rGO@MeS) coupled with UPLC-MS/MS. Under optimal chromatographic and mass spectrometric conditions, the effects of different dehydrated salts (MgSO4 and Na2SO4) and metal chelating agents (Na2EDTA) on extraction efficiency were first investigated. Next, the influence of a dynamic and static purification mode was evaluated in terms of drug recoveries. Calibration curves of 37 veterinary drugs were constructed in the range 0.6-500 μg kg-1, and good linearities were obtained with all determination coefficients (R2) ≥0.992. The limits of detection (LODs) and quantitation (LOQs) were in the range 0.3-1.1 μg kg-1 and 0.6-3.5 μg kg-1, respectively. The recoveries of all compounds were in the range 61.3-118.2% at three spiked levels (20, 100, and 200 μg kg-1) with RSDs ≤15.4% for both intra- and inter-day precisions. Compared to pristine melamine sponges and commercial adsorbents (C18, PSA, and GCB), rGO@MeS demonstrated an equal or even better purification performance in terms of recoveries, matrix effects, and matrix removal efficiency. This method is rapid, simple, efficient, and appropriate for the qualitative and quantitative analyses of 37 veterinary drug residues in milk, providing a new detection strategy and technical support for the routine analysis of animal-derived food.

Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids in Foods, Herbal Drugs, and Food Supplements: Chemistry, Metabolism, Toxicological Significance, Analytical Methods, Occurrence, and Challenges for Future

Consumers are increasingly seeking natural alternatives to chemical compounds, including the use of dried aromatic plants as seasonings instead of salt. However, the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) in food supplements and dried plants has become a concern because of their link to liver diseases and their classification as carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Despite European Union (EU) Regulation (EU) 2023/915, non-compliance issues persist, as indicated by alerts on the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) portal. Analyzing PAs poses a challenge because of their diverse chemical structures and low concentrations in these products, necessitating highly sensitive analytical methods. Despite these challenges, ongoing advancements in analytical techniques coupled with effective sampling and extraction strategies offer the potential to enhance safety measures. These developments aim to minimize consumer exposure to PAs and safeguard their health while addressing the growing demand for natural alternatives in the marketplace.

A modified QuEChERS method based on a reduced graphene oxide-coated melamine sponge for multiresidue analysis of veterinary drugs in mutton by UPLC-MS/MS

The development of different matrix adsorbents is a research focus in the multiresidue analysis of veterinary drugs in foods. In this study, a novel elastic matrix adsorbent based on a reduced graphene oxide-coated melamine sponge was prepared and applied in matrix purification for the simultaneous determination of 52 veterinary drugs in mutton by UPLC-MS/MS. Efficient and convenient matrix removal was achieved through simple soaking and squeezing. Good linearities with determination coefficients ≥0.999 and low matrix effects ≤±13% were obtained in the range of 10-500 μg·kg-1. The obtained recoveries ranged from 63.7% to 109.5% at three spiked levels (10, 50, and 100 μg·kg-1), with relative standard deviations ≤8.1%. Low LODs and LOQs were obtained in ranges of 0.02-2.0 μg·kg-1 and 0.05-5.0 μg·kg-1, respectively. Based on the comprehensive results, our developed method showed good applicability in the analysis of multiresidues in various foods.

On-site rapid detection of multiple pesticide residues in tea leaves by lateral flow immunoassay

The application of pesticides (mostly insecticides and fungicides) during the tea-planting process will undoubtedly increase the dietary risk associated with drinking tea. Thus, it is necessary to ascertain whether pesticide residues in tea products exceed the maximum residue limits. However, the complex matrices present in tea samples comprise a major challenge in the analytical detection of pesticide residues. In this study, nine types of lateral flow immunochromatographic strips (LFICSs) were developed to detect the pesticides of interest (fenpropathrin, chlorpyrifos, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, acetamiprid, carbendazim, chlorothalonil, pyraclostrobin, and iprodione). To reduce the interference of tea substrates on the assay sensitivity, the pretreatment conditions for tea samples, including the extraction solvent, extraction time, and purification agent, were optimized for the simultaneous detection of these pesticides. The entire testing procedure (including pretreatment and detection) could be completed within 30 min. The detected results of authentic tea samples were confirmed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS), which suggest that the LFICS coupled with sample rapid pretreatment can be used for on-site rapid screening of the target pesticide in tea products prior to their market release.

Magnetic mesoporous Fe3O4@nSiO2@mSiO2 nanoparticles for high-throughput mass spectrometry detection of hydrolyzed products of organophosphorus nerve agents

Rapid and accurate detection of hydrolyzed products of organophosphorus nerve agents (OPNAs) is an important method to effectively confirm the use of these agents. OPNAs are rapidly hydrolyzed to the methyl phosphonates (MPs) in the environment, which can be used as environmental traceability marker for OPNAs. Herein, magnetic mesoporous materials combined with real-time in situ mass spectrometry (MS) were used to achieve high-throughput detection of MPs. Novel magnetic mesoporous nanoparticles Fe3O4@nSiO2@mSiO2 were synthesized via co-condensation of tetraethyl orthosilicate and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) on the surface of nonporous silica-coated Fe3O4 under alkaline conditions. CTAB templates were removed by the reflux of ethanol (0.0375 mM ammonium nitrate) to form mesoporous SiO2, which has a large specific surface area of 549 m2 g-1 and an excellent magnetization strength of 59.6 emu g-1. A quick, cost-effective, rugged, and safe magnetic preparation method, magnetic QuEChERS, was established with magnetic mesoporous nanoparticles (Fe3O4@nSiO2@mSiO2) as adsorption materials for direct analysis in real-time and tandem MS (DART-MS/MS) of MPs in environmental samples. The method exhibits good linearity (R2 > 0.992) in the range of 20.0-4.00 μg mL-1, the limits of detection were <5.00 ng mL-1, the limits of quantification were <20.0 ng mL-1, and the extraction recoveries were 70.2-98.1%, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) in the range of 1.97-10.6%. Additionally, using this method, analysis of 70 environmental samples could be completed within 20 min. Then, the M-QuEChERS-DART-MS/MS method was applied to the 52nd Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) environmental spiked samples analysis, where the accuracy was 95.2-116%, and the RSD was 1.16-7.83%. The results demonstrated that Fe3O4@nSiO2@mSiO2 based on the QuEChERS method can quickly and efficiently remove the matrix of environmental samples and when coupled with the DART-MS/MS can achieve high-throughput determination of MPs in environmental samples.

Integrated QuEChERS combined with LC-MS/MS for high-throughput analysis of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in milk

In this study, an integrated QuEChERS method was developed for the rapid determination of 22 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in milk by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The extraction and purification processes were combined into one step with this method. Meanwhile, the solid-liquid separation was carried out by magnetic suction (Fe3O4-SiO2) instead of the centrifugal process. The primary experimental parameters were optimized, including the type of extraction solvent, the amounts of magnetic nanomaterials (Fe3O4-SiO2), and the purification materials (ZrO2 and C18). The developed method exhibits high precision (RSDs < 9.9%), low limits of detection (0.004-0.079 μg/kg) and limits of quantitation (0.01-0.26 μg/kg), and acceptable recovery (71.7-116%) under optimized conditions. The developed integrated QuEChERS method had clear superiority in terms of sample pretreatment time, operating procedures, reagent amount, and recovery. This makes it an excellent alternative analytical technique for PFAS residue measurement at low micrograms-per-kilogram ranges with desirable sensitivity.

Deep eutectic solvents in sample preparation and determination methods of pesticides: Recent advances and future prospects

This review summarizes recent advances of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) in sample preparation and determination methods of pesticides in food, environmental, and biological matrices since 2019. Emphasis is placed on new DES categories and emerging microextraction techniques. The former incorporate hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents, magnetic deep eutectic solvents, and responsive switchable deep eutectic solvents, while the latter mainly include dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction, liquid-liquid microextraction based on in-situ formation/decomposition of DESs, single drop microextraction, hollow fiber-liquid phase microextraction, and solid-phase microextraction. The principles, applications, advantages, and limitations of these microextraction techniques are presented. Besides, the use of DESs in chromatographic separation, electrochemical biosensors, fluorescent sensors, and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy are discussed. This review is expected to provide a valuable reference for extracting and detecting pesticides or other hazardous contaminants in the future.

Assessing emerging and priority micropollutants in sewage sludge: environmental insights and analytical approaches

The application of sewage sludge (SS) in agriculture, as an alternative to manufactured fertilizers, is current practice worldwide. However, as wastewater is collected from households, industries, and hospitals, the resulting sludge could contaminate land with creeping levels of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and microplastics, among others. Thus, the sustainable management of SS requires the development of selective methods for the identification and quantification of pollutants, preventing ecological and/or health risks. This study presents a thorough evaluation of emerging and priority micropollutants in SS, through the lens of environmental insights, by developing and implementing an integrated analytical approach. A quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) extraction method, coupled with gas chromatography and liquid chromatography, was optimized for the determination of 42 organic compounds. These include organophosphorus pesticides, organochlorine pesticides, pyrethroid pesticides, organophosphate ester flame retardants, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, polychlorinated biphenyls, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The optimization of the dispersive-solid phase for clean-up, combined with the optimization of chromatographic parameters, ensured improved sensitivity. Method validation included assessments for recovery, reproducibility, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantification (LOQ). Recoveries ranged from 59.5 to 117%, while LODs ranged from 0.00700 to 0.271 µg g-1. Application of the method to seven SS samples from Portuguese wastewater treatment plants revealed the presence of sixteen compounds, including persistent organic pollutants. The quantification of α-endosulfan, an organochlorine pesticide, was consistently observed in all samples, with concentrations ranging from 0.110 to 0.571 µg g-1. Furthermore, the study encompasses the analysis of agronomic parameters, as well as the mineral and metal content in SS samples. The study demonstrates that the levels of heavy metals comply with legal limits. By conducting a comprehensive investigation into the presence of micropollutants in SS, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the environmental and sustainable implications associated with SS management.

Simultaneous Determination of Steroids and NSAIDs, Using DLLME-SFO Extraction and HPLC Analysis, in Milk and Eggs Collected from Rural Roma Communities in Transylvania, Romania

This research aims to determine five steroids and four non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in milk and egg samples collected from rural Roma communities in Transylvania, Romania. Target compounds were extracted from selected matrices by protein precipitation, followed by extract purification by dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction based on solidification of floating organic droplets. The extraction procedure was optimized using a 24 full factorial experimental design. Good enrichment factors (87.64-122.07 milk; 26.97-38.72 eggs), extraction recovery (74.49-103.76% milk; 75.64-108.60% eggs), and clean-up of the sample were obtained. The method detection limits were 0.74-1.77 µg/L for milk and 2.39-6.02 µg/kg for eggs, while the method quantification limits were 2.29-5.46 µg/L for milk and 7.38-18.65 µg/kg for eggs. The steroid concentration in milk samples was Collapse

Key Words

• dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction based on solidification of floating organic droplets (DLLME-SFO)
• eggs
• milk
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• rural Roma communities
• steroids

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MESH Headings

• Humans
• Animals
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
• Ketoprofen
• Naproxen
• Ibuprofen
• Milk
• Romania
• Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
• Roma
• Estrone

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Grants

• Project contract no. 23 / 2020 EEA and Norway Grants

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Affiliation(s)

Mihaela Cătălina Herghelegiu Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Babeș-Bolyai University, 1 Kogălniceanu Str., 400084 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Vlad Alexandru Pănescu Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Babeș-Bolyai University, 1 Kogălniceanu Str., 400084 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Victor Bocoș-Bințințan Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Babeș-Bolyai University, 1 Kogălniceanu Str., 400084 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Radu-Tudor Coman Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Babeș Str., 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Vidar Berg Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1433 Ås-Oslo, Norway
Jan Ludvig Lyche Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1433 Ås-Oslo, Norway
Maria Concetta Bruzzoniti Department of Chemistry, University of Turin, Via P. Giuria 5, 10125 Turin, Italy;
Mihail Simion Beldean-Galea Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Babeș-Bolyai University, 1 Kogălniceanu Str., 400084 Cluj-Napoca, Romania

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Chlordecone determination in serum by LC-MS/MS and the importance of low limit of detection

Chlordecone is an organochlorine insecticide that has been used intensively from 1973 to 1993 in the French West Indies banana fields to control root borers. This use has resulted in persistent pollution of soils and waters, and people have been and are still exposed mainly through food. Epidemiological studies showed that this exposure is associated with health disorders, including prostate cancer, prematurity, cognitive or motor development. The measurement of chlordecone in serum is considered as the best surrogate, though no clear and definitive cut-off value has been established. This renders necessary the development of analytical methods with the lowest limit of detection as possible. While most published methods have utilized GC-MS or GC-MS/MS, in the present study we report an LC-MS/MS method based on a simple QuEChERS salts extraction. The whole procedure was validated according to ISO 15189 requirements and reached LOD and LOQ values of 0.007 and 0.02 µg/L, respectively. It was applied to more 10 000 serum samples of French Indies inhabitants. More than a half had a concentration below 0.1 µg/L and more than one third of them exhibiting a concentration below 0.05 µg/L. The capability of this LC-MS/MS method to detect very low concentrations highlights its utility in exploring the health impact of chlordecone.

Recent Advances in Non-Targeted Screening of Compounds in Plastic-Based/Paper-Based Food Contact Materials

Ensuring the safety of food contact materials has become a pressing concern in recent times. However, detecting hazardous compounds in such materials can be a complex task, and traditional screening methods may not be sufficient. Non-targeted screening technologies can provide comprehensive information on all detectable compounds, thereby supporting the identification, detection, and risk assessment of food contact materials. Nonetheless, the non-targeted screening of food contact materials remains a challenging issue. This paper presents a detailed review of non-targeted screening technologies relying on high-resolution mass spectrometry for plastic-based and paper-based food contact materials over the past five years. Methods of extracting, separating, concentrating, and enriching compounds, as well as migration experiments related to non-targeted screening, are examined in detail. Furthermore, instruments and devices of high-resolution mass spectrometry used in non-targeted screening technologies for food contact materials are discussed and summarized. The research findings aim to provide a theoretical basis and practical reference for the risk management of food contact materials and the development of relevant regulations and standards.

Biodegradation mechanisms of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: Combination of instrumental analysis and theoretical calculation

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a common class of petroleum hydrocarbons, widely encountered in both environment and industrial pollution sources. Owing to their toxicity, environmental persistence, and potential bioaccumulation properties, a mounting interest has been kindled in addressing the remediation of PAHs. Biodegradation is widely employed for the removal and remediation of PAHs due to its low cost, lack of second-contamination and ease of operation. This paper reviews the degradation efficiency of degradation and the underlying mechanisms exhibited by algae, bacteria, and fungi in remediation. Additionally, it delved into the application of modern instrumental analysis techniques and theoretical investigations in the realm of PAH degradation. Advanced instrumental analysis methods such as mass spectrometry provide a powerful tool for identifying intermediates and metabolites throughout the degradation process. Meanwhile, theoretical calculations could guide the optimization of degradation processes by revealing the reaction mechanisms and energy changes in PAH degradation. The combined use of instrumental analysis and theoretical calculations allows for a comprehensive understanding of the degradation mechanisms of PAHs and provides new insights and approaches for the development of environmental remediation technologies.

Simultaneous determination of fenthion and its metabolites in a case of fenthion self-poisoning

Fenthion (MPP) is a popular organophosphorus pesticide that acts via inhibition of the enzyme cholinesterase. It is well known that fenthion is metabolized by plants, animals and soil microorganisms to sulfone and sulfoxide by oxidation of thioether and is further metabolized by conversion of P = S to P = O (oxon). Although human fenthion poisonings sometimes occur, details of the distribution of fenthion and its metabolites within the bodies of victims are unclear. In this study, we developed and validated an approach that uses liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry to quantify the concentrations of fenthion and its five metabolites (MPP-sulfoxide, MPP-sulfone, MPP-oxon, MPP-oxon sulfoxide and MPP-oxon sulfone) in the fluids [blood, cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) and urine] of a human cadaver. The calibration curves were linear in the concentration range 5-200 ng/mL. Our method allowed for repeatable and accurate quantification with intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation smaller than 8.6% and 11.0%, respectively, for each target compound. We used the developed method to measure the fenthion concentration in the blood of a dead victim of fenthion poisoning and found the concentration to be in the comatose-fatal range. In addition, we detected for the first time fenthion and all five fenthion metabolites in the cadaveric blood and CSF. The concentrations of the oxidized forms of fenthion, including MPP-sulfone and MPP-sulfoxide, were higher in CSF than in the blood.

Determination of multiclass contaminants in chilli powder based on magnetic multiwalled carbon nanotubes and UPLC-QTOF/MS

A multiclass analysis approach was developed using magnetic multiwalled carbon nanotubes sorbents and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF/MS) for the rapid screening and simultaneous determination of 216 contaminants including 15 mycotoxins, 9 synthetic colourants, and 192 pesticides in chilli powder. The sample preparation process was optimized. The optimal preparation procedure utilized NaCl and NaAc as the salting-out agents, and Fe3O4-MWCNTs as the sorbents, resulting in reduced chemical consumption, improved cleaning performance, and facilitated high-throughput analysis. The proposed method was validated, and satisfactory parameters were obtained. Approximately 85.6% of the target analytes exhibited a weak matrix effect, with the matrix effects falling within the range of 0.8 ∼ 1.2. The method demonstrated acceptable recoveries of the analytes, falling within the range of 62.14%∼119.76% at three fortified levels with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of less than 20%. Additionally, the method's limit of quantification (LOQ) ranged from ranged from 0.50 μg·kg-1 to 49.56 μg·kg-1. The method was further applied for analysis of 27 chilli powder samples, demonstrating its potential for screening and quantification of multiclass contaminants for spices.

QuEChERS-assisted ion pair chromatography/fluorescence detection method for determination of antimigraine combination therapy in rabbit plasma samples: Application to a pharmacokinetic study

Antimigraine combination therapy has shown significant effectiveness in relieving pain, as well as reducing the frequency, duration, and severity of migraine attacks if compared to a single migraine medication. This work represents the first analytical investigation for emphasizing the synergistic effect of combining ophthalmic beta blockers with triptans in migraine treatment. The presented study was conducted to investigate the pharmacokinetic profile of almotriptan (ALM), a serotonin (5-HT1B/1D) receptor agonist used to treat migraine, when coadministered with timolol (TIM) or verapamil (VER) which are considered as an adjuvant therapy in migraine prevention. Ion pair chromatography (IPC) with online fluorescence detection was applied to simultaneously detect and quantify the binary mixtures of ALM/TIM and ALM/VER in rabbit plasma samples. The separation was achieved using a Platinum C18 analytical column with a mobile phase composed of methanol: 35 mmol L-1 phosphate buffer solution containing 10 mmol L-1 SDS at pH = 6.8 (60:40 v/v). Several parameters were evaluated during the optimization of separation conditions including mobile phase composition, buffer concentration, buffer pH and concentration of ion pair reagent. A thorough investigation of the retention mechanism was performed, and the results showed that Coulomb forces were the main contributors to the overall retention mechanism, which may be hydrophobically assisted. QuEChERS extraction technique was utilized to extract the investigated drugs from plasma samples and a detailed study was carried out to optimize partition/extraction solvents, pH, extraction salts, sample volume and clean-up step. The method had a limit of detection and quantitation of 5.6 and 16.9 ng mL-1 for ALM in ALM/TIM mixture and 2.5 and 7.6 ng mL-1 for ALM in ALM/VER mixture, with an overall recovery not less than 95.22%. This newly proposed method offers a faster alternative to existing chromatographic methods for extraction and determination of ALM in binary mixtures with TIM or VER in rabbit plasma and provides a platform for studying pharmacokinetic parameters. The coadministration of either TIM or VER with ALM resulted in a notable rise in Cmax (maximum plasma concentration) and AUC (area under the plasma concentration-time curve) of ALM, implying possible alterations in the absorption and overall exposure of ALM.

Terminal Residue and Dietary Risk Assessment of Atrazine and Isoxaflutole in Corn Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Isoxaflutole and atrazine are representative pesticides for weed control in corn fields. Formulations containing these two pesticides have been registered in China, and their residues may threaten food safety and human health. In this study, a method for simultaneous determination of isoxaflutole, atrazine, and their metabolites in fresh corn, corn kernels, and corn straw was established based on modified QuEChERS pre-treatment and high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). The linearity of seven compounds was good (R2 ≥ 0.9912), and the matrix effect was 48.5-77.1%. At four spiked levels of 0.01, 0.02, 0.05, and 0.5 mg kg-1, all compounds' average recovery was 76% to 116%, with relative standard deviation (RSD) less than 18.9%. Field experiments were conducted in Liaoning, Heilongjiang, Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, Beijing, and Yunnan provinces to study the terminal residues. The terminal residues of all compounds were below the LOQ (0.01 mg kg-1) in fresh corn and corn kernels, and atrazine residues in corn straw ranged from <0.05 mg kg-1 to 0.17 mg kg-1. Finally, a dietary risk assessment was conducted based on residues from field trials, food consumption, and acceptable daily intake (ADI). For all populations, the chronic dietary risk probability (RQc) of atrazine was between 0.0185% and 0.0739%, while that of isoxaflutole was 0.0074-0.0296%, much lower than 100%. The results may provide scientific guidance for using isoxaflutole and atrazine in corn field ecosystems.

Ergot Alkaloids on Cereals and Seeds: Analytical Methods, Occurrence, and Future Perspectives

Ergot alkaloids are secondary metabolites resulting from fungi of the genus Claviceps that have proven to be highly toxic. These mycotoxins commonly infect cereal crops such as wheat, rye, barley, and oats. Due to the increase worldwide consumption of cereal and cereal-based products, the presence of ergot alkaloids in food presents a concern for human safety. For this reason, it is essential to develop several analytical methods that allow the detection of these toxic compounds. This review compiles and discusses the most relevant studies and methods used in the detection and quantification of ergot alkaloids. Moreover, the decontamination techniques are also addressed, with special attention to sorting, cleaning, frying, baking, peeling, and ammonization methods, as they are the only ones already applied to ergot alkaloids.

Development and application of a mini-QuEChERS method for the determination of pesticide residues in anuran adipose tissues

The expansion of monocultures to regions close to conservation areas has put biodiversity at risk, mainly due to the intense use of pesticides. Anurans are highly susceptible to pesticides and may be a biological marker in the contamination of an area. However, methods for determining pesticides in anurans are incipient. In this work, a miniaturized QuEChERS method was developed for the extraction of atrazine, chlorpyrifos, α- and β-endosulfan, α-, β-, θ- and ζ-cypermethrin in anuran adipose tissues. The method was optimized for the tissue sample size scale according to sample mass availability. Extracting solvent and adsorbents for the clean-up step was evaluated, achieving recoveries next to 100% with acetonitrile and without a clean-up step. The mini-QuEChERS method, using 500 mg of adipose tissue, 50 mg of NaCl and 200 mg of MgSO4, 100 μL of ultrapure water, and 1.50 mL of acetonitrile with no purification step, followed by high-performance liquid chromatography analysis and photodiode array detection was validated following the European Community guidelines. The methodology showed a moderate matrix effect for some pesticides, which was corrected using the matrix-matched calibration. The limits of quantification for the pesticide residues in adipose tissues ranged from 10 to 75 μg kg-1. Pesticide recoveries ranged from 74% to 115%, and repeatability and within-lab reproducibility showed relative standard deviations < 11%. The mini-QuEChERS method was applied to extract pesticide residues from the adipose tissues of two species of anurans: Leptodactylus macrosternum and Scinax x-signatus. 25% of samples were positive, detecting endosulfan and chlorpyriphos, confirmed by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. The mini-QuEChERS was a simple, economical, and eco-friendly method for extracting pesticide residues in anuran adipose tissue samples.

A multi-residue method for trace analysis of pesticides in soils with special emphasis on rigorous quality control

A multi-residue trace analytical method is presented to accurately quantify 146 currently used pesticides in (agricultural) soils with varying soil properties. Pesticides were extracted using an optimized quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) approach and chemical analysis was carried out by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (triple quadrupole). Quantification was based on matrix-matched internal standards calibration, using 95 isotopically labeled analyte analogues. In contrast to the common approach of method validation using soils freshly spiked with analytes shortly before the extraction, our method is additionally validated via an in-house prepared partly aged soil, which contains all target pesticides and via agricultural field soils with native pesticide residues. The developed method is highly sensitive (median method limit of quantification: 0.2 ng/g), precise (e.g., median intra-day and inter-day method precision both ~ 4% based on field soils), and true ((i) quantified pesticide concentrations of the partly aged soil remained stable during 6 months, were close to the initially spiked nominal concentration of 10 ng/g, and thus can be used to review trueness in the future; (ii) median freshly spiked relative recovery: 103%; and (iii) participation in a ring trial: median z-scores close to one (good to satisfactory result)). Its application to selected Swiss (agricultural) soils revealed the presence of in total 77 different pesticides with sum concentrations up to 500 ng/g. The method is now in use for routine soil monitoring as part of the Swiss Action Plan for Risk Reduction and Sustainable Use of Plant Protection Products.

Helping WWTP managers to address the volatile methylsiloxanes issue-Behaviour and complete mass balance in a conventional plant

Volatile methylsiloxanes (VMSs) are a group of additives employed in different consumer products that can affect the quality of the biogas produced in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The main objective of this study is to understand the fate of different VMSs along the treatment process of a WWTP located in Aveiro (Portugal). Thus, wastewater, sludge, biogas, and air were sampled in different units for two weeks. Subsequently, these samples were extracted and analyzed by different environment-friendly protocols to obtain their VMS (L3-L5, D3-D6) concentrations and profiles. Finally, considering the different matrix flows at every sampling moment, the mass distribution of VMSs within the plant was estimated. The levels of ∑VMSs were similar to those showed in the literature (0.1-50 μg/L in entry wastewater and 1-100 μg/g dw in primary sludge). However, the entry wastewater profile showed higher variability in D3 concentrations (from non detected to 49 μg/L) than found in previous studies (0.10-1.00 μg/L), likely caused by isolated releases of this compound that could be related to industrial sources. Outdoor air samples showed a prevalence of D5, while indoor air locations were characterized by a predominance of D3 and D4. Differences in sources and the presence of an indoor air filtration system may explain this divergence. Biogas was characterized by ∑VMSs concentrations (8.00 ± 0.22 mg/m3) above the limits recommended by some engine manufacturers and mainly composed of D5 (89%). Overall, 81% of the total incoming mass of VMSs is reduced along the WWTP, being the primary decanter and the secondary treatment responsible for the highest decrease (30.6% and 29.4% of the initial mass, respectively). This reduction, however, is congener dependant. The present study demonstrates the importance of extending sampling periods and matrices (i.e., sludge and air) to improve sample representativity, time-sensitivity, and the accuracy of mass balance exercises.

A green liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the simultaneous analysis of volatile thiols and their precursors in oenological samples

Improvements to the quantification of three white wine impact odorants 3-sulfanylhexan-1-ol, 3-sulfanylhexyl acetate, and 4-sulfanyl-4-methylpentan-2-one, and the non-volatile precursors from which they are released during fermentation, is of great interest to the wine science community. Recent reports of a "Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe" (QuEChERS) based method for the concurrent analysis of these thiols and their precursors via liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has enabled the development of far simpler methods, as well as aligning these analyses with principles of green analytical chemistry. This current work reports the development and validation of a QuEChERS based LC-MS/MS method utilising a safer derivatising agent, 4,4'-dithiodipyridine, while greatly minimising the reagents involved and waste produced. We demonstrate that this new method compares favourably to the previously reported method with repeatability of 0.2-1.3%RSD and 0.4-5.2%RSD for precursors and free thiols. Further, the commercially available internal standard, 1-hexanethiol, used in previous analytical methods was compared to stable isotope labelled analogues of the analytes, with results suggesting that it may not be a reliable internal standard.

Advancements in Sample Preparation Methods for the Chromatographic and Mass Spectrometric Determination of Zearalenone and Its Metabolites in Food: An Overview

Zearalenone and its metabolites are mycotoxins generated by Fusarium species while crops are growing and can typically be found in various foods, posing a risk to human health. Governments have implemented stricter regulations concerning the permissible levels of zearalenone in food products to safeguard public health. Stricter regulations on zearalenone levels in food have been implemented. However, detecting zearalenone and its metabolites remains challenging due to sample complexity and interference. Surprisingly few reviews of sample preparation methods for zearalenone in food have appeared in the past decade. In this overview, we outline the most recent developments in the sample pre-treatment technology of zearalenone and its metabolites in food samples based on chromatography-mass spectrometry methods since 2012. This review covers some prominent technologies, such as liquid-liquid extraction-based methods, solid-phase extraction-based methods, and QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) extraction, providing valuable insights into their advantages and limitations for potential applications. The assessment of the methods discussed, along with an overview of current challenges and prospects, will guide researchers in advancing the field and ensuring safer food quality for consumers worldwide.

Development and validation of an improved QuEChERS method for the extraction of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) from complex soils

In order to achieve rapid, sensitive, and high-throughput determination of typical semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in soil samples, a method for the rapid determination of 63 SVOCs in soil was developed by optimizing and improving the QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) extraction technique in conjunction with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. A small amount of soil sample (5.0 g) was vortexed with 10 mL of a mixture of acetone and n-hexane (V/V = 1 : 1) for 2 min, followed by rapid vortex purification and centrifugation using a mixture of copper powder and octadecylsilane (C18) dispersant. The resulting supernatant was then purified through a 0.22 μm filter membrane. The results showed that the 63 SVOCs exhibited good linear relationships within the concentration range of 100-5000 μg L-1, with correlation coefficients (R2) above 0.99. The method detection limit (MDL = 3.3 Sy/m) was lower than 0.050 mg kg-1. At a spike concentration of 1 mg kg-1, the recovery rates of the 63 SVOCs were almost above 70% (n = 7). Compared with the rapid solvent extraction (ASE) method specified in US EPA 3545 standard, this method reduced the organic solvent usage by 14 times and significantly shortened the operation time. Furthermore, this method did not involve any transfer or concentration steps of the extractant during the experimental process, reducing the exposure time of toxic compounds and providing support for the principles of green analytical chemistry. Moreover, in the detection of most compounds in the same batch of contaminated soil, the extraction results obtained by QuEChERS were superior to those obtained by the ASE method, providing evidence for the practical application of this method. This method is rapid, simple, accurate, requires a small sample volume, and causes minimal environmental pollution. It provides a high-throughput detection method for the rapid screening of SVOCs in soil.

Pesticides residues determination and probabilistic health risk assessment in the soil and cantaloupe by Monte Carlo simulation: A case study in Kashan and Aran-Bidgol, Iran

Cantaloupe is a popular agricultural product in the hot season of Iran. On the other hand, the frequent use of pesticides in cantaloupe fields is the most important threat to the health of farmers and consumers. Therefore, the present study aims to measure the concentration of diazinon (DZN), chlorpyrifos (CPF), and malathion (MLT) in cantaloupe cultivated in Kashan and Aran-Bidgol (Iran) and to estimate the possible oral and dermal risk of these pesticides by Monte Carlo simulation (MCS). 36 cantaloupe samples, 18 samples before, and 18 samples after the latent period were collected from different places of cantaloupe cultivation from April to May 2021. After measuring the pesticides using the QuEChERS approach, oral and dermal risk assessments were calculated.The mean and standard deviation of the concentrations of chlorpyrifos, malathion, and diazinon in 18 cantaloupe samples, after the latent period, were (30.39 ± 13.85), (18.361 ± 1.8), and (21.97 ± 0.86) μg kg-1, respectively. Concentration of Malathion, diazinon, and Chlorpyrifos in the soil were 0.22, 0.25, and 0.3 mg kg-1, respectively, and pesticide cumulative risk assessment in soil was obtained 0.011 for Malathion, 0.05 for diazinon and 0.03 for Chlorpyrifos. Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) according to the cantaloupe consumption and dermal exposure in children and adults, was safe range. Although non-cancerous dermal and oral risk of cantaloupe is low, constant exposure can be harmful. Therefore, the findings of this study play an important role in increasing the understanding of the negative health consequences of pesticide contamination in cantaloupe for consumers, especially local residents, and can help by adopting remedial strategies to reduce environmental concerns.

Identification and Prioritization of Environmental Organic Pollutants: From an Analytical and Toxicological Perspective

Exposure to environmental organic pollutants has triggered significant ecological impacts and adverse health outcomes, which have been received substantial and increasing attention. The contribution of unidentified chemical components is considered as the most significant knowledge gap in understanding the combined effects of pollutant mixtures. To address this issue, remarkable analytical breakthroughs have recently been made. In this review, the basic principles on recognition of environmental organic pollutants are overviewed. Complementary analytical methodologies (i.e., quantitative structure-activity relationship prediction, mass spectrometric nontarget screening, and effect-directed analysis) and experimental platforms are briefly described. The stages of technique development and/or essential parts of the analytical workflow for each of the methodologies are then reviewed. Finally, plausible technique paths and applications of the future nontarget screening methods, interdisciplinary techniques for achieving toxicant identification, and burgeoning strategies on risk assessment of chemical cocktails are discussed.

Sample preparation for planar chromatography

High-performance thin-layer chromatography has favorable properties for high-throughput separations with a high matrix tolerance. Sample preparation, however, is sometimes required to control specific matrix interferences and to enhance the detectability of target compounds. Trends in contemporary applications have shifted from absorbance and fluorescence detection to methods employing bioassays and mass spectrometry. Traditional methods (shake-flask, heat at reflux, Soxhlet, and hydrodistillation) are being challenged by automated instrumental approaches (ultrasound-assisted and microwave-assisted solvent extraction, pressurized liquid extraction, and supercritical fluid extraction) and the quick, easy cheap, efficient, rugged, and safe extraction method for faster and streamlined sample processing. Liquid-liquid extraction remains the most widely used approach for sample clean-up with increasing competition from solid-phase extraction. On-layer sample, clean-up by planar solid-phase extraction is increasingly used for complex samples and in combination with heart-cut multimodal systems. The automated spray-on sample applicator, the elution head interface, biological detection of target and non-target compounds, and straightforward mass spectrometric detection are highlighted as the main factors directing current interest toward faster and simpler sample workflows, analysis of more complex samples, and the determination of minor contaminants requiring high concentration factors.

Mycotoxin Determination in Peaches and Peach Products with a Modified QuEChERS Extraction Procedure Coupled with UPLC-MS/MS Analysis

Peaches are the most significant temperate fruit crop worldwide. However, peach fruits are susceptible to fungal and mycotoxin contamination. Consequently, monitoring the residual levels of multiple mycotoxins in peaches and related products is essential. In this study, a novel method based on QuEChERS extraction, followed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) detection, was developed for analyzing 14 mycotoxins in peaches and peach products from China. Matrix-matched calibrations were employed to accurately quantify the mycotoxins and compensate for matrix effects. Recoveries for the target analytes ranged from 84.6% to 117.6%, with intra-day and inter-day precision below 20%. The limits of quantification were 2 or 5 μg/L for the 14 mycotoxins. This method was utilized to detect the presence of target mycotoxins in 109 fresh peaches, 100 diseased peaches, and 89 peach products from China. Six mycotoxins were identified in the rotten parts of the diseased peaches, with concentrations ranging from 5.2 to 1664.3 µg/kg. In the remaining parts of the diseased peach samples, only two toxins, alternariol (AOH) and alternariol monomethyl ether (AME), were quantified at levels of 15.3 µg/kg and 15.5 µg/kg, respectively. No mycotoxins were detected in fresh peaches. For peach products, all contamination levels were below the quantitative limits and significantly lower than the maximum legal limits established for the products.

Simultaneous Screening of 322 Residual Pesticides in Fruits and Vegetables Using GC-MS/MS and Deterministic Health Risk Assessments

The development of efficient methods for evaluating pesticide residues is essential in order to ensure the safety and quality of agricultural products since the Republic of Korea implemented the Positive List System (PLS). The objective of this research was to establish a method for the simultaneous analysis of 322 pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables (such as coffee, potato, corn, and chili pepper), using the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) approach in combination with gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). This study introduces a robust, high-throughput GC-MS/MS method for screening the target pesticide residues in agricultural products, achieving the PLS criterion of 0.01 mg/kg LOQ. Despite some compounds not aligning with the CODEX recovery guideline, sufficient reproducibility was confirmed, attesting to the method's applicability in qualitative analyses. A health risk assessment conducted using estimated daily intake/acceptable daily intake ratios indicated low risks associated with product consumption (<0.035391%), thereby confirming their safety. This efficient method holds significant implications for the safe distribution of agricultural products, including during import inspections.

Analysis of polyhalogenated carbazoles and two related compounds in earthworms using a modified QuEChERS method with GC/MS and GC/MS/MS

A precise analytical method based on QuEChERS has been proposed for the concurrent determination of 11 polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs), benzocarbazole (BZCZ), and 9H-carbazoles (CZ). The quantification was confirmed by gas chromatography using triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (Shimadzu GC-MS/MS-TQ8040) and gas chromatography coupled mass spectrometry (Agilent 7890A-5973 GC-MS). The developed method was validated by testing the following parameters: linearity, instrument limit of detection (LOD), instrument limit of quantification (LOQ), method limit of detection (MLD), method limit of quantification (MLQ), matrix effect (ME), accuracy, and precision. All compounds showed good linearity in the range of 0.005-0.2 μg/mL with correlation coefficients higher than 0.992. The method demonstrated satisfactory recoveries (ranging from 71.21 to 105.04%) for most of the compounds with relative standard deviation precision (RSD) < 10.46%, except 3-BCZ (Recovery = 67.53%, RSD = 2.83%). The values of LOD and LOQ varied from 0.05 to 0.24 ng and 0.14 to 0.92 ng, respectively, while those of MLD and MLQ ranged from 0.02 to 0.12 ng/g wet weight (ww) and 0.07 to 0.45 ng/g ww, respectively. The developed method represents a reliable tool for the routine analysis of PHCZ congeners in invertebrate animals.

Competitive fluorescent immunosensor based on catalytic hairpin self-assembly for multiresidue detection of organophosphate pesticides in agricultural products

Simple and rapid multiresidue trace detection of organophosphate pesticides (OPs) is extremely important for various reasons, including food safety, environmental monitoring, and national health. Here, a catalytic hairpin self-assembly (CHA)-based competitive fluorescent immunosensor was developed to detect OPs in agricultural products, involving enabled dual signal amplification followed by a CHA reaction. The developed method could detect 0.01-50 ng/mL triazophos, parathion, and chlorpyrifos, with limits of detection (LODs) of 0.012, 0.0057, and 0.0074 ng/mL, respectively. The spiked recoveries of samples measured using this assay ranged from 82.8 % to 110.6 %, with CV values ranging between 5.5 % and 18.5 %. This finding suggests that the CHA-based competitive fluorescent immunosensor is a reliable and accurate method for detecting OPs in agricultural products. The results correlated well with those obtained from the liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method, indicating that the CHA-based biosensor is able to accurately detect OPs and can be used as a reliable alternative to the LC-MS/MS method. Additionally, the CHA-based biosensor is simpler and faster than LC-MS/MS, which makes it a more practical and cost-effective option for the detection of OPs. In summary, the CHA-based competitive fluorescent immunosensor can be considered a promising approach for trace analysis and multiresidue determination of pesticides, which can open up new horizons in the fields of food safety, environmental monitoring, and national health.

Simultaneous determination of residues of multiple pesticides and their metabolites in citrus and orange juice from markets in China: residue levels and dietary risk assessment

Consumers are becoming more concerned about pesticide residues in food. Since citrus represent a significant portion of the diet, it is appropriate to monitor the pesticide residues in citrus. In this paper, we modified a QuEChERS method combined with HPLC-MS/MS to investigate residue levels of 15 pesticides and 3 metabolites in citrus (whole fruit and pulp) and orange juice from the markets in China. And the dietary exposure risks were evaluated by using the hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) methods based on deterministic and probabilistic models. The recoveries of the modified method ranged from 70 to 112% at three spike levels of 0.005-0.5 mg/kg with relative standard deviations of 1.0-18.1%. Pesticide residues were detected in 85.84% of the whole citrus and 40.00% of pulp, with concentrations ranging from 0.005 to 0.47 mg/kg, which did not exceed their maximum residue limits (MRLs) in China. The HQ (0.01-11.41%) and HI (0.07-16.2%) were both less than 100%, demonstrating that chronic, acute, and cumulative dietary risks were acceptable. Notably, the risk for children (1-6 years old, 1.96-16.2%) was higher than that for the general population (0.76-6.25%). The results of our study can provide a valuable reference for regular monitoring to protect public health and ensure pesticide management.

Efficient food safety analysis for vegetables by a heteropore covalent organic framework derived silicone tube with flow-through purification

A heteropore covalent organic framework incorporated silicone tube (S-tube@PDA@COF) was used as adsorbent to purify the matrices in vegetable extracts. The S-tube@PDA@COF was fabricated by a facile in-situ growth method and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and N₂ adsorption-desorption. The as-prepared composite exhibited high removal efficiency of phytochromes and recovery (81.13-116.62%) of 15 chemical hazards from 5 representative vegetable samples. This study opens a promising avenue toward the facile synthesis of covalent organic frameworks (COFs)-derived silicone tubes for streamline operation in food sample pretreatment.

Organochlorine pesticides in vegetable oils: An overview of occurrence, toxicity, and chromatographic determination in the past twenty-two years (2000-2022)

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are used globally to control pests in the food industry. However, some have been banned due to their toxicity. Although they have been banned, OCPs are still discharged into the environment and persist for long periods of time. Therefore, this review focused on the occurrence, toxicity, and chromatographic determination of OCPs in vegetable oils over the last 22 years (2000-2022) (111 references).Literature search shows that OCPs kill pests by destroying endocrine, teratogenic, neuroendocrine, immune, and reproductive systems. However, only five studies investigated the fate of OCPs in vegetable oils and the outcome revealed that some of the steps involved during oil processing introduce more OCPs. Moreover, direct chromatographic determination of OCPs was mostly performed using online LC-GC methods fitted with oven transfer adsorption desorption interface. While indirect chromatographic determination was favored by QuEChERS extraction technique, gas chromatography frequently coupled to electron capture detection (ECD), gas chromatography in selective ion monitoring mode (SIM), and gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) were the most common techniques used for detection. However, the greatest challenge still faced by analytical chemists is to obtain clean extracts with acceptable extraction recoveries (70-120%). Hence, more research is still required to develop greener and selective extraction methods toward OCPs, thus improving extraction recoveries. Moreover, advanced techniques like gas chromatography high resolution mass spectrometry (GC-HRMS) must also be explored. OCPs prevalence in vegetable oils varied greatly in various countries, and concentrations of up to 1500 µg/kg were reported. Additionally, the percentage of positive samples ranged from 1.1 to 97.5% for endosulfan sulfate.

pH-responsive switchable deep eutectic solvents to mediate pretreatment method for trace analysis of triazole fungicides in peel wastes

The existing QuEChERS-combined analytical pretreatment methods are limited by large reagent consumption, high environmental burden, and mediocre effects. To provide an efficient and green pretreatment method, this study developed pH-responsive switchable deep eutectic solvents (SDESs) to extract triazole fungicides (TFs) from fruit peel wastes, which could enhance the preconcentration effect of target compounds in food waste samples with complex matrices. The mechanisms of pH-induced phase transition and hydrophobicity-hydrophilicity conversion of pH-responsive SDESs were investigated by pH phase diagrams and chemical characterization techniques, respectively. We validated the established method by high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (HPLC-DAD), and lower LOD (0.089-0.351 ng mL^-1), LOQ (0.297-1.172 ng mL^-1), RSD (≤8.8 %) and satisfactory recoveries (90.6 %-110.9 %) and preconcentration factors (389-512) were obtained in rotting grape peel, watermelon peel, and orange peel samples. Our findings highlight the potential of pH-responsive SDESs in the extraction and analysis of various natural food products.