Development, validation, comparison, and implementation of a highly efficient and effective method using magnetic solid-phase extraction with hydrophilic-lipophilic-balanced materials for LC-MS/MS analysis of pesticides in seawater

Microwave-assisted esterification and electro-enhanced solid-phase microextraction of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in eggs

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs), a type of fatty acid that has many health benefits, are of increasing concern. Herein, we developed a method for the rapid esterification and enrichment of ω-3 PUFAs in eggs, which includes microwave-assisted esterification (MAE) and electrically enhanced solid-phase microextraction (EE-SPME). Combined with gas chromatographic, efficient detection of ω-3 PUFAs was achieved in eggs. Under microwave radiation, the esterification efficiency exhibited a significant increase ranging from 5.06 to 10.65 times. The EE-SPME method reduced extraction time from 50 to 15 min. In addition, improvements in extractive fiber coating materials were explored, which ensured efficient extraction of ω-3 PUFAs. Under the optimal conditions, the method displayed a low detection limit (1.01-1.54 μg L-1), good recoveries (85.82%-106.01%), and wide linear range (7.5-1000 μg L-1), which was successfully applied to determine ω-3 PUFAs in real egg samples.

Magnetic Particle Spray Mass Spectrometry

In this work, the concept of magnetic particle spray mass spectrometry (MPS-MS) is reported for the first time. Magnetic sorbent particles are used to extract the analytes from a liquid sample. The particles are magnetically attracted to the tip of a magnetic probe that is positioned at the entrance of the mass spectrometer. A solvent is dispensed on the particles, and a high voltage promotes the formation of the Taylor cone around the particles agglomerate. Analytes are desorbed by the solvent, ionized, and analyzed by mass spectrometry. MPS-MS is totally in consonance with the green chemistry principle. A minimal consumption of sample (100 μL), solvent (34 μL), and magnetic sorbent (500 μg) is needed per analysis for an excellent performance of MPS-MS in terms of sensitivity and selectivity. The determination of amitriptyline, citalopram, clomipramine, chlorpromazine, doxepin, haloperidol, nortriptyline, and venlafaxine in human plasma samples using magnetic restricted-access carbon nanotubes was carried out as a proof of principle. Limits of quantification of 10 μg L-1 and correlation coefficients higher than 0.98 were obtained for all of the analytes. Limits of detection ranged from 0.43 to 2.82 μg L-1. Precision (as relative standard deviation) and accuracies (as relative error) ranged from 3.6 to 23.6%, as well as -12.8 to 18.7%, respectively. MPS-MS opens a new line of developments in the association of sample preparation with ambient ionization. New sorbents, device configurations, and physical and chemical conditions can also be analyzed for the analysis of many other analytes in different samples.

Magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers integrated ionic liquids for targeted detecting diamide insecticides in environmental water by HPLC-UV following MSPE

Efficiently detecting diamide insecticides in environmental water is challenging due to their low concentrations and complex matrix interferences. In this study, we developed ionic liquids (ILs)-incorporated magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (IL-MMIPs) for the detection of diamide insecticides, capitalizing on the advantages of ILs and quick magnetic separation through surface imprinting. Tetrachlorantraniliprole was used as the template, and a specific IL, 1-vinyl-3-ethylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([VEIm][PF6]), was employed as the functional monomer. Various synthesis conditions were investigated to optimize adsorption efficiency. The prepared IL-MMIPs were successfully employed as adsorbents in magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) to selectively extract, separate, and quantify three types of diamide insecticides from water samples using HPLC-UV detection. Under optimal conditions, the analytical method achieved low limits of detection (0.69 ng mL-1, 0.64 ng mL-1, 0.59 ng mL-1 for cyantraniliprole, chlorantraniliprole and tetrachlorantraniliprole, respectively). The method also displayed a wide linear range (0.003-10 μg mL-1 for cyantraniliprole and chlorantraniliprole, and 0.004-10 μg mL-1 for tetrachlorantraniliprole, respectively) with satisfactory coefficients (R2≥0.9996), and low relative standard deviation (RSD≤2.55%). Additionally, extraction recoveries fell within the range of 79.4%-109%. The results clearly demonstrate that IL-MMIPs exhibit exceptional recognition and rebinding capabilities. The developed IL-MMIPs-MSPE-HPLC-UV method is straightforward and rapid, making it suitable for the detection and analysis of three kinds of diamide insecticides in environmental water.

Green magnetic snail shell hydroxyapatite sorbent for reliable solid-phase extraction of pesticides from water samples

To address sustainability issues, the green synthesis of nanomaterials has recently received considerable attention. This article addresses a novel and cost-effective adsorbent for the extraction of eight phenyl-N-methylcarbamate insecticides from water samples. We first synthesized a magnetite/hydroxyapatite nanocomposite using snail shell powder via an environmental friendly approach. The morphology and physicochemical properties of magnetic hydroxyapatite were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Magnetic extraction parameters were optimized using a Doehlert matrix. Under optimum conditions, the magnetic extraction coupled with a LC-MS method shows good linearity with R2 ≥ 0.9982, suitable intra- and interday precision, and limits of detection and quantification in the range of 0.052-0.093 μg/L and 0.11-0.31 μg/L, respectively. Satisfactory relative recoveries of all carbamates were achieved from fortified water samples in the range of 93.89-101.01%.

Efficient Validation Strategies in Environmental Analytical Chemistry: A Focus on Organic Micropollutants in Water Samples

This article critically reviews analytical method validation and quality control applied to the environmental chemistry field. The review focuses on the determination of organic micropollutants (OMPs), specifically emerging contaminants and pesticides, in the aquatic environment. The analytical technique considered is (gas and liquid) chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (MS), including high-resolution MS for wide-scope screening purposes. An analysis of current research practices outlined in the literature has been performed, and key issues and analytical challenges are identified and critically discussed. It is worth emphasizing the lack of specific guidelines applied to environmental analytical chemistry and the minimal regulation of OMPs in waters, which greatly affect method development and performance, requirements for method validation, and the subsequent application to samples. Finally, a proposal is made for method validation and data reporting, which can be understood as starting points for further discussion with specialists in environmental analytical chemistry.

Green synthesis of Fe3O4@SiO2@Salg particles for organophosphorus pesticides removal: Mechanisms, biosafety, and application

A biosafe magnetic Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@Salg (GMS) was successfully developed via a simple and economic method. Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ particles were selected as the magnetic core, and they directly interacted with sodium alginate, thus mitigating the use of cross-linking agents. The microstructure, properties, and formation mechanism of GMS were examined using FE-SEM, TEM, VSM, TGA, zeta potential, and FT-IR. The as-developed GMS was used as a desirable adsorbent to remove organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) from water bodies, and the influence of different factors on the removal efficiencies of OPPs was investigated. Optimal preparation conditions were determined, and the excellent removal efficiencies of the 18 OPPs were achieved in this study (80.5%-100% for tap, river, and seawater). After the GMS was recycled eight times, the removal efficiencies of 18 OPPs were maintained at >80%. Adsorption kinetics and isotherm models showed that the adsorption process was accurately fitted with the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order models. The values of ΔG, ΔH, and ΔS were negative, indicating that the OPPs were adsorbed on the GMS spontaneously via an exothermal reaction, and chemisorption was the dominant adsorption mechanism. Overall, the as-developed GMS was biosafe as revealed by cytotoxicity experiments. GMS had good environmental security, stability, and reusability, and it exhibited excellent potential for removing OPPs from aqueous solutions without causing secondary pollution.

Prussian blue analogues based polymer monolith with amphiphilic interface to construct highly selective and sensitive imidacloprid chemosensor

The most widely used assays for pesticides currently rely on the inhibition of natural enzymes, which are particularly sensitive to the surrounding environment, leading to some unreliable results. Up till now, there are few studies explored chemical detection methods for these stable pesticides. Here, we reported a novel chemosensor system and polymer materials for highly sensitive detection of imidacloprid pesticide. The polymer monolith with tunable surface hydrophilicity allows solvent-dependent adsorption of low-abundance target pesticide molecule. Prussian blue particles with Fenton catalytic activity were introduced into the polymeric monolith through Pickering emulsion, which capable of degrading the pesticide adsorbed on the column surface into easily detectable ions (NO₃^-, Cl^-). This all-in-one functional material can minimize the interference of other non-target molecules through dual-channel detection, enabling sensitive detection of imidacloprid pesticide (30 ppb). We believe that the material described in this paper demonstrates for the first time the combination of an active polymer monolith for the enrichment and catalytic degradation with sensitive detection of pesticides, and this protocol can be used to develop a range of pesticides chemical sensing methods in the future.

A review of the modern principles and applications of solid-phase extraction techniques in chromatographic analysis

Analytical processes involving sample preparation, separation, and quantifying analytes in complex mixtures are indispensable in modern-day analysis. Each step is crucial to enriching correct and informative results. Therefore, sample preparation is the critical factor that determines both the accuracy and the time consumption of a sample analysis process. Recently, several promising sample preparation approaches have been made available with environmentally friendly technologies with high performance. As a result of its many advantages, solid-phase extraction (SPE) is practiced in many different fields in addition to the traditional methods. The SPE is an alternative method to liquid–liquid extraction (LLE), which eliminates several disadvantages, including many organic solvents, a lengthy operation time and numerous steps, potential sources of error, and high costs. SPE advanced sorbent technology reorients with various functions depending on the structure of extraction sorbents, including reversed-phase, normal-phase, cation exchange, anion exchange, and mixed-mode. In addition, the commercial SPE systems are disposable. Still, with the continual developments, the restricted access materials (RAM) and molecular imprinted polymers (MIP) are fabricated to be active reusable extraction cartridges. This review will discuss all the theoretical and practical principles of the SPE techniques, focusing on packing materials, different forms, and performing factors in recent and future advances. The information about novel methodological and instrumental solutions in relation to different variants of SPE techniques, solid-phase microextraction (SPME), in-tube solid-phase microextraction (IT-SPME), and magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) is presented. The integration of SPE with analytical chromatographic techniques such as LC and GC is also indicated. Furthermore, the applications of these techniques are discussed in detail along with their advantages in analyzing pharmaceuticals, biological samples, natural compounds, pesticides, and environmental pollutants, as well as foods and beverages.

Fluffy ball-like magnetic covalent organic frameworks for adsorption and removal of organothiophosphate pesticides

Organothiophosphate pesticides (OPPs) are the most commonly used pesticides, and their environmental migration brings serious water pollution and significant danger to human health, and thus it is urgent to develop effective technologies for removal of OPPs from water. Herein, magnetic covalent organic framework (COF) with a triazine skeleton was fabricated for enhanced adsorption and removal of OPPs from water. Magnetic COF has a fluffy ball-like structure, high crystallinity, large BET surface area (1543 m² g^-1), and regular mesopores (~3.1 nm). Therefore, it displayed high adsorption rates and large adsorption capacities for four typical OPPs, pyridafenthion, phoxim, pyrimitate, and phorate. Based on adsorption kinetic and isotherms investigations, the batch experimental data of magnetic COF was effectively modeled by pseudo-second-order kinetics and the Freundlich isothermal model. The equilibrium adsorption capacities of magnetic COF composite for OPPs ranged from 163.9 to 178.6 mg g^-1, which were about 10 times higher than the amorphous magnetic composite. The adsorption mechanism was further explored to verify the contributions of π-π, CH⋯π, and CH⋯S interactions to the adsorption of OPPs on the crystalline magnetic COF. Furthermore, the high removal rate of OPPs from the environmental water and reusability further indicated its potential in real applications as an effective adsorption material.

Magnetic polymer particles as a highly efficient and facile cleanup adsorbent for multi-pesticide residues analysis in aquatic products

A novel and efficient sample pretreatment procedure using magnetic particles was exploited for the determination of multi-pesticide residues in aquatic products. The magnetic adsorbent was prepared using divinyl benzene and N-vinyl pyrrolidone as functional monomers modified on the Fe₃O₄ @SiO₂. The obtained magnetic adsorbent, octadecylsilane sorbents, and graphitized carbon black were employed as effective adsorbents to remove matrix interferences in aquatic products, and their dosages were optimized. Satisfactory levels of accuracy and precision were procured under optimum conditions. The method limits of quantification ranged from 0.1 to 2.0 μg/kg. The analytical accuracy of the developed method for the analysis of multi-pesticide residues in freshwater and seafood products was validated. It was found to be suitable for the analysis of multi-pesticide residues in different types of aquatic products. Additionally, the method was successfully applied for the analysis of pesticide residues in fish samples obtained from aquaculture plants located in Zhejiang Province, China. The detected concentrations of pesticides ranged from 0.14 to 0.95 μg/kg. In general, this method shows promising application prospects for the rapid determination of multi-pesticide residues in aquatic products.

Determination of aflatoxin B1 in Pixian Douban based on aptamer magnetic solid-phase extraction

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB₁) is considered as the most prevalent and toxic mycotoxin in food, and is the indispensable index in the monitoring of Pixian Douban, a traditional chinese fermented bean paste from Sichuan. However, the effeciency of AFB₁ detection in Pixian Douban is influenced by the traditional extraction, which is usually complex and time consuming. Therefore, an aptamer-based magnetic solid-phase extraction method was designed for the pretreatment of AFB₁ in this sample, for which Fe₃O₄ was synthesized via the solvothermal method and then a Fe₃O₄@SiO₂–NH₂ with a core–shell structure was prepared, followed by an AFB₁-aptamer attachment. The validation was performed via an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and compared with HPLC-MS/MS. The linearity range of this method was 0.5–2.0 ng mL ⁻¹ with R² of 0.981, and recoveries of AFB₁ ranged from 80.19% to 113.92% with RSDs below 7.28% with no significant differences compared to HPLC-MS/MS. The three-time reusability efficiencies of aptamer-MNPs were averaged at 78.24%. The results proved that aptamer-MNPs were high-performance adsorbents for extracting and enriching AFB₁, facilitating quick and effective detection of AFB₁ in Pixian DouBan samples.

An aptamer-based magnetic solid-phase extraction method was designed for the pretreatment of AFB1 from a Pixian Douban sample. It was developed based on aptamer–Fe₃O₄@SiO₂–NH₂ with subsequent ELISA validation, showing an efficient result.

Simultaneous determination of 76 pesticide residues in the traditional Chinese medicine by magnetic hydrophilic-lipophilic-balanced materials assisted matrix solid phase dispersion extraction-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

建立灵敏、可靠的中药材中农药多残留的检测方法对保证中药材的质量和安全十分重要。制备了磁性亲水亲脂平衡萃取材料Fe₃O₄@PLS,将其应用于农药多残留的磁性基质固相分散萃取中,并结合高效液相色谱-串联质谱法(HPLC-MS/MS)检测了金银花、菊花和三七块根(干)3种中药材中76种农药残留量。研究通过扫描电子显微镜(SEM)、傅里叶变换红外光谱(FT-IR)和X-射线衍射仪(XRD)对磁性萃取材料Fe₃O₄@PLS进行表面形貌和结构的表征。同时考察了影响磁性基质固相分散萃取效率的主要因素,结果表明,磁性萃取材料Fe₃O₄@PLS的用量为10 mg、研磨分散吸附时间为5 min、淋洗液为10 mL 20%(v/v)甲醇水溶液、涡旋振荡清洗1 min、以0.5 mL 0.1%(v/v)甲酸乙腈为洗脱剂、涡旋振荡洗脱1 min, 76种农药的萃取效果最佳。在实际应用中,76种农药在金银花、菊花、三七块根(干)3种中药材中的萃取回收率别为69.1%~112.2%、67.1%~102.8%和70.1%~105.1%,相对标准偏差分别为2.0%~12.4%、2.1%~13.2%和2.0%~13.5%。该方法利用Fe₃O₄@PLS良好的磁响应性和亲水亲脂通用吸附特性,可以同时萃取极性农药(如多菌灵等)和非极性农药(如敌瘟磷等),建立了测定中药材中76种农药残留的磁性基质固相分散萃取-高效液相色谱-串联质谱联用的分析方法,具有低消耗、操作简便、灵敏度高等优点,适用于非液态中药材基质中多种类农药残留的检测。

Uptake, translocation and metabolism of imidacloprid loaded within fluorescent mesoporous silica nanoparticles in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)

Fluorescence-labeling technology has been widely used for rapid detection of pesticides in agricultural production. However, there are few studies on the use of this technology to investigate pesticide uptake and transport in plants with fluorescent nanoparticle formulations. Here, we investigated uptake, transport, accumulation and metabolism of imidacloprid loaded in fluorescent mesoporous SiO₂ nanoparticles (Im@FL-MSNs) in tomato plants, and compared the results with the pesticide application in granular formulation. The results revealed that Im@FL-MSNs applied via root uptake and foliar spray both could effectively transport in tomato plants and carry the imidacloprid to plant tissues. Neither Im@FL-MSNs nor imidacloprid was detected inside of tomato fruits from root uptake or foliar spray applications. Compared with the foliar application of granular formulation, imidacloprid in Im@FL-MSNs demonstrated a higher concentration in leaves (1.14 ± 0.07 mg/kg > 1.08 ± 0.04 mg/kg, 1.13 ± 0.09 mg/kg > 1.11 ± 0.02 mg/kg), longer half-life (0.84 d < 1.31 d, 0.90 d < 1.36 d) and small numbers of metabolites formed. These results suggest that mesoporous silica nanoparticles could serve as an effective and efficient pesticide carrier for achieving the high use efficiency in plant protection. The information is also helpful to guide the pesticide applications and assess the risks associated with environmental quality and dietary consumption of vegetables.

Development of magnetic solid phase extraction using magnetic amphiphilic polymer for sensitive analysis of multi-pesticides residue in honey

A sensitive and time-saving method for the determination of multi-pesticide residues in honey was developed using magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Magnetic polymer (N-vinyl pyrrolidone-divinyl benzene) (MVP-DB) was fabricated and employed as the adsorbent for extraction and enrichment of multi-pesticide residues in honey. MVP-DB contains lipophilic benzene ring, divinyl group, and hydrophilic pyrrolidone group. The good hydrophilic and hydrophobic structure of MVP-DB not only ensures sufficient dispersion in honey samples, but also enhances the ability to enrich target analytes. The predominant factors affecting the recoveries of analytes were systematically investigated, affording a rapid and highly efficient MSPE method. Under the optimal conditions, the method was verified, including the recovery, precision, linearity, sensitivity, and matrix effects. The results displayed that these pesticides showed good linearity in the range of 2-250 µg L^-1. The MLOQs were 0.5 µg kg^-1. The recoveries of pesticides in honey at the pre-spiked concentrations of 0.5-25 µg kg^-1 were 61.6%-112% with RSDs less than 18.2%. Hence, the developed method displayed good application prospect for the determination of multi-pesticide residues in honey samples.

A Simple and Novel Sensor for the Determination of Acetamiprid Based on Its Reducing Effect on the Chemiluminescence of S, N-CQDs in CH3CN-H2O2 System

A simple and novel method for the determination of acetamiprid in water samples is suggested. The method is based on the reducing effect of acetamiprid on the chemiluminescence intensity of new sulfur and nitrogen co-doped carbon dots (S, N-CQDs) in an acetonitrile-hydrogen peroxide (CH₃CN-H₂O₂) system. The possible mechanism was investigated, and it was found that S, N-CQDs react with (¹O₂)₂*, produced from the CH₃CN-H₂O₂ reaction, leading to excited state S, N-CQDs, which deactivate to the ground state by photon emission. Acetamiprid diminishes the chemiluminescence (CL) intensity by competing with S, N-CQDs. The CL intensity reduction is proportional to the concentration of acetamiprid. S, N-CQDs were easily prepared by a hydrothermal method. Under the optimal conditions, a linear range of 2.5 - 25.0 μg L^-1 with a detection limit (3σ) of 0.4 μg L^-1 was obtained. This method was successfully applied to the determination of trace amounts of residual pesticides in water samples.

Determination of new generation amide insecticide residues in complex matrix agricultural food by ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

Eight new generation amide insecticide residues analysis by multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNs) cleanup, combined with QuEChERS and ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry has been developed and successfully applied in complex matrix such as orange, celery, onion, litchi, mango, shallot, chives, avocado, garlic. The matric effect of MWCNs is optimized and compared with ordinary cleanup materials. The results show that the performance of MWCNs is fine and effectively reduce matrix interference. Through chemical structure skeletons analyzed, chlorantraniliprole, bromoantraniliprole, and cyantraniliprole can cause same product ions of m/z 286.0 or 177.1 in the ESI⁺ mode, then tetrachlorantraniliprole and cyclaniliprole can produce collective ions of m/z 146.9 in the ESI^- mode. The coefficients (R²) were greater than 0.9990, the limit of quantification ranges from 0.03 to 0.80 μg/kg, the recovery rate ranges from 71.2 to 120%, and the relative standard deviation (RSD) ranges from 3.8 to 9.4%. The method is fast, simple, sensitive, and suitable for the rapid determination of amide pesticides in complex matrix agricultural food.

PEG size effect and its interaction with Fe3O4 nanoparticles synthesized by solvothermal method: morphology and effect of pH on the stability

The synthesis and characterization of Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) obtained by the solvothermal method in ethyleneglycol with the addition of polyethyleneglycol (PEG) with molar mass of 4000, 8000 and 20000 g mol−1 are described, aimed at evaluating its effect on the size, morphology and stability of the nanoparticle. The syntheses were carried out by solubilizing the precursors at 85 and 140 °C, providing smaller nanoparticles as well as smaller crystallites at higher temperatures, while the effect of PEG was less evident. Measurements of nanoparticle surface areas synthesized with PEG 4000 and 20000 g mol−1 at 140 °C provided values of 76 and 14 m2 g−1, respectively, indicating that PEG 4000 surrounds the crystallites, while PEG 20000 preferably surrounds the whole MNP. As a consequence, MNP with very dissimilar porosities were obtained. Electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) indicated that MNP synthesized with PEG 20000 possesses higher electronic density than those obtained with PEG 4000, in agreement with the surface area results. Infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated the presence of PEG in the particles, whose amount increased as the particle size decreased. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) measurements showed that MNP hydrodynamic radius increases with the PEG size and stability in solution increases from pH 5.0 to 9.0 for smaller NP, while polymer presents slight effect on stability for the larger particles. The results obtained in this work show that properties of MNP can be tuned by the dissolution temperature of the chemical precursors and the PEG molar mass, changing their porosity and stability in solution, that are important variables in processes of adsorption, drug delivery and sensor developing.

Romain SJ, Pedersen EI, Siddiqui S, Chappell PE, White JW, Armbrust KL, Brander SM. Salinity Alters Toxicity of Commonly Used Pesticides in a Model Euryhaline Fish Species (Menidia beryllina)

Changing salinity in estuaries due to sea level rise and altered rainfall patterns, as a result of climate change, has the potential to influence the interactions of aquatic pollutants as well as to alter their toxicity. From a chemical property point of view, ionic concentration can increase the octanol–water partition coefficient and thus decrease the water solubility of a compound. Biologically, organism physiology and enzyme metabolism are also altered at different salinities with implications for drug metabolism and toxic effects. This highlights the need to understand the influence of salinity on pesticide toxicity when assessing risk to estuarine and marine fishes, particularly considering that climate change is predicted to alter salinity regimes globally and many risk assessments and regulatory decisions are made using freshwater studies. Therefore, we exposed the Inland Silverside (Menidia beryllina) at an early life stage to seven commonly used pesticides at two salinities relevant to estuarine waters (5 PSU and 15 PSU). Triadimefon was the only compound to show a statistically significant increase in toxicity at the 15 PSU LC₅₀. However, all compounds showed a decrease in LC₅₀ values at the higher salinity, and all but one showed a decrease in the LC₁₀ value. Many organisms rely on estuaries as nurseries and increased toxicity at higher salinities may mean that organisms in critical life stages of development are at risk of experiencing adverse, toxic effects. The differences in toxicity demonstrated here have important implications for organisms living within estuarine and marine ecosystems in the Anthropocene as climate change alters estuarine salinity regimes globally.

Magnetic solid phase extraction of heterocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from environmental water samples with multiwalled carbon nanotube modified magnetic polyamido-amine dendrimers prior to gas chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometer

Present study described a sensitive and efficient method for determination of heterocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons using multiwalled carbon nanotubes modified magnetic polyamido-amine dendrimers (MNPs@PAMAM-Gn@MWCNTs) as adsorbent for magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) coupled with gas chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (GC-MS/MS). Some pivotal parameters including PAMAM generation, adsorbent dosage, adsorption time, elution time and volume, pH and humic acid concentration were investigated to achieve the best adsorption efficiencies. Under the optimal conditions, 7-methylquinoline, dibenzothiophene and carbazole had good linearity in the concentration range of 0.005-20 μg L ^- 1, 9-methylcarbazole, 4-methyldibenzothiophene and 4,6-dimethyl dibenzothiophene had good linearity in the concentration range of 0.001-20 μg L ^- 1. All the correlation coefficients were higher than 0.996. The detection limits of the targets were in the range of 2.2 × 10^-4-1.8 × 10^-3 μg L ^- 1 with precisions less than 8.28% (n = 6). The enrichment factors were in the range of 141-147. The spiked recoveries were in the range of 87.0%-115.1% (n = 3). These results indicated that the method could be a reliable alternative tool for monitoring trace heterocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in environmental water samples.