Neonicotinoid contamination of global surface waters and associated risk to aquatic invertebrates: a review

Neonicotinoids, broad-spectrum systemic insecticides, are the fastest growing class of insecticides worldwide and are now registered for use on hundreds of field crops in over 120 different countries. The environmental profile of this class of pesticides indicate that they are persistent, have high leaching and runoff potential, and are highly toxic to a wide range of invertebrates. Therefore, neonicotinoids represent a significant risk to surface waters and the diverse aquatic and terrestrial fauna that these ecosystems support. This review synthesizes the current state of knowledge on the reported concentrations of neonicotinoids in surface waters from 29 studies in 9 countries world-wide in tandem with published data on their acute and chronic toxicity to 49 species of aquatic insects and crustaceans spanning 12 invertebrate orders. Strong evidence exists that water-borne neonicotinoid exposures are frequent, long-term and at levels (geometric means=0.13μg/L (averages) and 0.63μg/L (maxima)) which commonly exceed several existing water quality guidelines. Imidacloprid is by far the most widely studied neonicotinoid (66% of the 214 toxicity tests reviewed) with differences in sensitivity among aquatic invertebrate species ranging several orders of magnitude; other neonicotinoids display analogous modes of action and similar toxicities, although comparative data are limited. Of the species evaluated, insects belonging to the orders Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera and Diptera appear to be the most sensitive, while those of Crustacea (although not universally so) are less sensitive. In particular, the standard test species Daphnia magna appears to be very tolerant, with 24-96hour LC50 values exceeding 100,000μg/L (geometric mean>44,000μg/L), which is at least 2-3 orders of magnitude higher than the geometric mean of all other invertebrate species tested. Overall, neonicotinoids can exert adverse effects on survival, growth, emergence, mobility, and behavior of many sensitive aquatic invertebrate taxa at concentrations at or below 1μg/L under acute exposure and 0.1μg/L for chronic exposure. Using probabilistic approaches (species sensitivity distributions), we recommend here that ecological thresholds for neonicotinoid water concentrations need to be below 0.2μg/L (short-term acute) or 0.035μg/L (long-term chronic) to avoid lasting effects on aquatic invertebrate communities. The application of safety factors may still be warranted considering potential issues of slow recovery, additive or synergistic effects and multiple stressors that can occur in the field. Our analysis revealed that 81% (22/27) and 74% (14/19) of global surface water studies reporting maximum and average individual neonicotinoid concentrations respectively, exceeded these thresholds of 0.2 and 0.035μg/L. Therefore, it appears that environmentally relevant concentrations of neonicotinoids in surface waters worldwide are well within the range where both short- and long-term impacts on aquatic invertebrate species are possible over broad spatial scales.

Toxicity and biodegradability of imidazolium ionic liquids

Several bioassays have been carried out to analyze the toxicity and biodegradability of several imidazolium ionic liquids (ILs) in aqueous phase. The synthetized compounds consist of an imidazolium cation with two alkyl substituents in positions 3 (R1) and 1 (R2) and a counter-ion. The alkyl substituent R1 has been fixed as a methyl group and the effect of the alkyl chain length (C1-C8) of the other substituent (R2) has been tested. Moreover, the influence of diverse counter-ions A- (Cl-, PF6, XSO4-) has been analyzed. Acute toxicity and EC50 values of each compound in the aqueous solution have been determined by using the Microtox standard procedure. Biodegradability of IL has been determined by measuring BOD5 of aqueous samples containing IL and/or D-glucose and the IL residual content and/or d-glucose concentration after this assay. The viability of the microorganisms used in the BOD5 has been related to the ATP in the samples, measured by a bioluminescence assay. All the ILs tested were not biodegradable in the considered conditions. Besides, it was found that the shorter the chain length of side chain R2, the lower the toxic effect is. On the contrary, the anion has a little effect on the IL toxicity.

Regulation of gene expression by small molecules

Small molecules that target specific DNA sequences have the potential to control gene expression. Ligands designed for therapeutic application must bind any predetermined DNA sequence with high affinity and permeate living cells. Synthetic polyamides containing N-methylimidazole and N-methylpyrrole amino acids have an affinity and specificity for DNA comparable to naturally occurring DNA-binding proteins. We report here that an eight-ring polyamide targeted to a specific region of the transcription factor TFIIIA binding site interferes with 5S RNA gene expression in Xenopus kidney cells. Our results indicate that pyrrole-imidazole polyamides are cell-permeable and can inhibit the transcription of specific genes.

Dicarbonyl intermediates in the maillard reaction

The complexity of the Maillard reaction arises partly from multiple fragmentation reactions of the sugar moiety, constituting branch points in the reaction progress and establishing many parallel reaction pathways. Reactive intermediates produced by these processes are often alpha-oxoaldehydes. The formation of alpha-oxoaldehydes enhances and redirects glycating activity in the Maillard reaction since alpha-oxoaldehydes are up to 20,000-fold more reactive than glucose in glycation processes and are predominantly arginine-directed glycating agents. alpha-Oxoaldehydes bypass a requirement for a fructosamine precursor in the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) since alpha-oxoaldehydes react with proteins (also nucleotides and basic phospholipids) to form AGEs directly. The major AGE formed from alpha-oxoaldehydes is generally a hydroimidazolone with other products-although for glyoxal, N(omega)-carboxymethylarginine is a major product. alpha-Oxoaldehyde formation also occurs in the absence of an amine substrate, particularly during heat processing of sugar solutions and lipid peroxidation processes-in the latter case, the glycation adducts are advanced lipoxidation products (ALEs). Hydroimidazolones are quantitatively important AGEs in cellular and extracellular proteins in physiological systems. Hydroimidazolone free adducts are liberated by cellular proteolysis and digestion. They are released into blood plasma for urinary excretion. Modification of arginine residues by alpha-oxoaldehydes may be particularly damaging since arginine residues have high-frequency occurrence in ligand and substrate recognition sites in receptor and enzyme active sites. Along with fructosamine formation, alpha-oxoaldehyde intermediates of the Maillard reaction represent a major source of damage to the proteome and genome.

A large prospective study of meat consumption and colorectal cancer risk: an investigation of potential mechanisms underlying this association

Although the relation between red and processed meat intake and colorectal cancer has been reported in several epidemiologic studies, very few investigated the potential mechanisms. This study examined multiple potential mechanisms in a large U.S. prospective cohort with a detailed questionnaire on meat type and meat cooking methods linked to databases for estimating intake of mutagens formed in meats cooked at high temperatures (heterocyclic amines, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), heme iron, nitrate, and nitrite. During 7 years of follow-up, 2,719 colorectal cancer cases were ascertained from a cohort of 300,948 men and women. The hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) comparing the fifth to the first quintile for both red (HR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.09-1.42; P(trend) < 0.001) and processed meat (HR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.01-1.32; P(trend) = 0.017) intakes indicated an elevated risk for colorectal cancer. The potential mechanisms for this relation include heme iron (HR, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.99-1.29; P(trend) = 0.022), nitrate from processed meats (HR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.02-1.32; P(trend) = 0.001), and heterocyclic amine intake [HR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.05-1.34; P(trend) < 0.001 for 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (MeIQx) and HR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.05-1.29; P(trend) <0.001 for 2-amino-3,4,8-trimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (DiMeIQx)]. In general, the elevated risks were higher for rectal cancer than for colon cancer, with the exception of MeIQx and DiMeIQx, which were only associated with colon cancer. In conclusion, we found a positive association for red and processed meat intake and colorectal cancer; heme iron, nitrate/nitrite, and heterocyclic amines from meat may explain these associations.

Bees prefer foods containing neonicotinoid pesticides

The impact of neonicotinoid insecticides on insect pollinators is highly controversial. Sublethal concentrations alter the behaviour of social bees and reduce survival of entire colonies. However, critics argue that the reported negative effects only arise from neonicotinoid concentrations that are greater than those found in the nectar and pollen of pesticide-treated plants. Furthermore, it has been suggested that bees could choose to forage on other available flowers and hence avoid or dilute exposure. Here, using a two-choice feeding assay, we show that the honeybee, Apis mellifera, and the buff-tailed bumblebee, Bombus terrestris, do not avoid nectar-relevant concentrations of three of the most commonly used neonicotinoids, imidacloprid (IMD), thiamethoxam (TMX), and clothianidin (CLO), in food. Moreover, bees of both species prefer to eat more of sucrose solutions laced with IMD or TMX than sucrose alone. Stimulation with IMD, TMX and CLO neither elicited spiking responses from gustatory neurons in the bees' mouthparts, nor inhibited the responses of sucrose-sensitive neurons. Our data indicate that bees cannot taste neonicotinoids and are not repelled by them. Instead, bees preferred solutions containing IMD or TMX, even though the consumption of these pesticides caused them to eat less food overall. This work shows that bees cannot control their exposure to neonicotinoids in food and implies that treating flowering crops with IMD and TMX presents a sizeable hazard to foraging bees.

The Euro-Balance Trial: The effect of a new biocompatible peritoneal dialysis fluid (balance) on the peritoneal membrane

BACKGROUND

Although peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a widely accepted form of renal replacement therapy (RRT), concerns remain regarding the bioincompatible nature of standard PD fluid. In order to evaluate whether a newly formulated fluid of neutral pH, and containing low levels of glucose degradation products (GDP), resulted in improved in vivo biocompatibility, it was compared in a clinical study to a standard PD fluid.

METHODS

In a multicenter, open, randomized, prospective study with a crossover design and parallel arms, a conventional, acidic, lactate-buffered fluid (SPDF) was compared with a pH neutral, lactate-buffered, low GDP fluid (balance). Overnight effluent was collected and assayed for cancer antigen 125 (CA125), hyaluronic acid (HA), procollagen peptide (PICP), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha). Serum samples were assayed for circulating advanced glycosylation end products (AGE), N(epsilon)-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML), and imidazolone. Clinical end points were residual renal function (RRF), adequacy of dialysis, ultrafiltration, and peritoneal membrane function. Eighty-six patients were randomized to either group I starting with SPDF for 12 weeks (Phase I), then switching to "balance" for 12 weeks (Phase II), or group II, which was treated vice versa. Seventy-one patients completed the study with data suitable for entry into the per protocol analysis. Effluent and serum samples, together with peritoneal function tests and adequacy measurements, were undertaken at study centers on three occasions during the study: after the four-week run-in period, after Phase I, and again after Phase II.

RESULTS

In patients treated with balance there were significantly higher effluent levels of CA125 and PICP in both arms of the study. Conversely, levels of HA were lower in patients exposed to balance, while there was no change in the levels of either VEGF or TNFalpha. Serum CML and imidazolone levels fell significantly in balance-treated patients. Renal urea and creatinine clearances were higher in both treatment arms after patients were exposed to balance. Urine volume was higher in patients exposed to balance. In contrast, peritoneal ultrafiltration was higher in patients on SPDF. When anuric patients were analyzed as a subgroup, there was no significant difference in peritoneal transport characteristics or in ultrafiltration on either fluid. There were no changes in peritonitis incidence on either solution.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that the use of balance, a neutral pH, low GDP fluid, is accompanied by a significant improvement in effluent markers of peritoneal membrane integrity and significantly decreased circulating AGE levels. Clinical parameters suggest an improvement in residual renal function on balance, with an accompanying decrease in peritoneal ultrafiltration. It would appear that balance solution results in an improvement in local peritoneal homeostasis, as well as having a positive impact on systemic parameters, including circulating AGE and residual renal function.

Widespread occurrence of neonicotinoid insecticides in streams in a high corn and soybean producing region, USA

Neonicotinoid insecticides are of environmental concern, but little is known about their occurrence in surface water. An area of intense corn and soybean production in the Midwestern United States was chosen to study this issue because of the high agricultural use of neonicotinoids via both seed treatments and other forms of application. Water samples were collected from nine stream sites during the 2013 growing season. The results for the 79 water samples documented similar patterns among sites for both frequency of detection and concentration (maximum:median) with clothianidin (75%, 257 ng/L:8.2 ng/L) > thiamethoxam (47%, 185 ng/L:<2 ng/L) > imidacloprid (23%, 42.7 ng/L: <2 ng/L). Neonicotinoids were detected at all nine sites sampled even though the basin areas spanned four orders of magnitude. Temporal patterns in concentrations reveal pulses of neonicotinoids associated with rainfall events during crop planting, suggesting seed treatments as their likely source.

Methylglyoxal-derived hydroimidazolone advanced glycation end-products of human lens proteins

PURPOSE

To determine the concentrations of methylglyoxal-derived advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), the hydroimidazolones MG-H1 and -H2, in soluble human lens proteins and compare them with the concentrations of other methylglyoxal-derived AGEs and pentosidine.

METHODS

Lens protein samples were hydrolyzed enzymatically. AGEs were assayed without derivatization by HPLC with tandem mass spectrometry; the fluorescent AGEs argpyrimidine and pentosidine were assayed by fluorometric detection. MG-H1 and -H2 were resolved and assayed by fluorometric detection after derivatization with 6-aminoquinolyl-N-hydroxysuccimidylcarbamate (AQC).

RESULTS

The methylglyoxal-derived hydroimidazolones MG-H1 and -H2 were detected and quantified in human lens proteins. AGE concentrations (mean +/- SEM) were: MG-H1 4609 +/- 411 pmol/mg protein, MG-H2 3085 +/- 328 pmol/mg protein, argpyrimidine 205 +/- 19 pmol/mg protein, and pentosidine 0.693 +/- 0.104 pmol/mg protein. The concentration of MG-H1 in human lens protein correlated positively with donor age (correlation coefficient = 0.28, P < 0.05), the concentration of MG-H2 (correlation coefficient = 0.78, P < 0.001) and argpyrimidine (correlation coefficient = 0.42, P < 0.01). The concentrations of AGEs were increased in cataractous lenses in comparison with noncataractous lenses: the increases were MG-H1 85%, MG-H2 122%, argpyrimidine 255%, and pentosidine 183% (P < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed a significant link of cataract to donor age (regression coefficient beta = 0.094, P = 0.026) and argpyrimidine (beta = 0.022, P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Methylglyoxal hydroimidazolones are quantitatively major AGEs of human lens proteins. These substantial modifications of lens proteins may stimulate further glycation, oxidation, and protein aggregation leading to the formation of cataract.

Occurrence of sulfonylurea, sulfonamide, imidazolinone, and other herbicides in rivers, reservoirs and ground water in the Midwestern United States, 1998

Sulfonylurea (SU), sulfonamide (SA), and imidazolinone (IMI) herbicides are relatively new classes of chemical compounds that function by inhibiting the action of a plant enzyme, stopping plant growth, and eventually killing the plant. These compounds generally have low mammalian toxicity, but plants demonstrate a wide range in sensitivity to SUs, SAs, and IMIs with over a 10,000-fold difference in observed toxicity levels for some compounds. SUs, SAs, and IMIs are applied either pre- or post-emergence to crops commonly at 1/50th or less of the rate of other herbicides. Little is known about their occurrence, fate, or transport in surface water or ground water in the USA. To obtain information on the occurrence of SU, SA, and IMI herbicides in the Midwestern United States, 212 water samples were collected from 75 surface-water and 25 ground-water sites in 1998. These samples were analyzed for 16 SU, SA and IMI herbicides by USGS Methods Research and Development Program staff using high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Samples were also analyzed for 47 pesticides or pesticide degradation products. At least one of the 16 SUs, SAs or IMIs was detected above the method reporting limit (MRL) of 0.01 microg/l in 83% of 130 stream samples. Imazethapyr was detected most frequently (71% of samples) followed by flumetsulam (63% of samples) and nicosulfuron (52% of samples). The sum of SU, SA and IMI concentrations exceeded 0.5 microg/l in less than 10% of stream samples. Acetochlor, alachlor, atrazine, cyanazine and metolachlor were all detected in 90% or more of 129 stream samples. The sum of the concentration of these five herbicides exceeded 50 microg/l in approximately 10% of stream samples. At least one SU, SA, or IMI herbicide was detected above the MRL in 24% of 25 ground-water samples and 86% of seven reservoir samples.

Detections of the neonicotinoid insecticide imidacloprid in surface waters of three agricultural regions of California, USA, 2010-2011

Seventy-five surface water samples were collected from three agricultural regions of California and analyzed for the neonicotinoid insecticide imidacloprid. Samples were collected during California's relatively dry-weather irrigation seasons in 2010 and 2011. Imidacloprid was detected in 67 samples (89%); concentrations exceeded the United States Environmental Protection Agency's chronic invertebrate Aquatic Life Benchmark of 1.05 μg/L in 14 samples (19%). Concentrations were also frequently greater than similar toxicity guidelines developed for use in Europe and Canada. The results indicate that imidacloprid commonly moves offsite and contaminates surface waters at concentrations that could harm aquatic organisms following use under irrigated agriculture conditions in California.

Detection and analysis of neonicotinoids in river waters--development of a passive sampler for three commonly used insecticides

Increasing and widespread use of neonicotinoid insecticides all over the world, together with their environmental persistence mean that surface and ground waters need to be monitored regularly for their residues. However, current multi-residue analytical methods for waters are inadequate for trace residue analysis of these compounds, while passive sampling devices are unavailable. A new method using UltraPerformance Liquid Chromatography provided good separation of the five most common neonicotinoid compounds, with limits of quantitation in the range 0.6-1.0ng. The method was tested in a survey of rivers around Sydney (Australia), where 93% of samples contained two or more neonicotinoids in the range 0.06-4.5μgL(-1). Styrenedivinylbenzene-reverse phase sulfonated Empore™ disks were selected as the best matrix for use in passive samplers. Uptake of clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiacloprid in a flow-through laboratory system for 3weeks was linear and proportional to their water concentrations over the range 1-10μgL(-1). Sampling rates of 8-15mLd(-1) were correlated to the hydrophobicity of the individual compounds. The passive samplers and analytical methods presented here can detect trace concentrations of neonicotinoids in water.

Quantitative analysis of neonicotinoid insecticide residues in foods: implication for dietary exposures

This study quantitatively measured neonicotinoids in various foods that are common to human consumption. All fruit and vegetable samples (except nectarine and tomato) and 90% of honey samples were detected positive for at least one neonicotinoid; 72% of fruits, 45% of vegetables, and 50% of honey samples contained at least two different neonicotinoids in one sample, with imidacloprid having the highest detection rate among all samples. All pollen samples from New Zealand contained multiple neonicotinoids, and five of seven pollens from Massachusetts detected positive for imidacloprid. These results show the prevalence of low-level neonicotinoid residues in fruits, vegetables, and honey that are readily available in the market for human consumption and in the environment where honeybees forage. In light of new reports of toxicological effects in mammals, the results strengthen the importance of assessing dietary neonicotinoid intakes and the potential human health effects.

Histidine-rich protein of the keratohyalin granules. Source of the free amino acids, urocanic acid and pyrrolidone carboxylic acid in the stratum corneum

The pool of free amino acids, urocanic acid and pyrrolidone carboxylic acid in mammalian stratum corneum has been shown to be derived principally or totally from the histidine-rich protein of the keratohyalin granules. The time course of appearance of free amino acids and breakdown of the histidine-rich protein are similar, as are the analyses of the free amino acids and the histidine-rich protein. Quantitative studies show that between 70 and 100% of the total stratum corneum-free amino acids are derived from the histidine-rich protein.

Application of solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry to the determination of neonicotinoid pesticide residues in fruit and vegetables

A rapid and simple method for simultaneous analysis of four neonicotinoid insecticides including acetamiprid, imidacloprid, thiacloprid and thiamethoxam in fruit and vegetable matrices has been developed. For instance, ready-to-use cartridges filled with a macroporous diatomaceous material were used to extract in a single step insecticide residues with dichloromethane from aqueous-acetone extracts of fruits and vegetables. The eluate was evaporated, the residue redissolved with methanol and then analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry in the electrospray ionization (ESI) positive mode. Average recoveries of the four pesticides were between 74.5 and 105% at both spiking levels 0.1 and 1.0 mg kg(-1) in peach, pear, courgette, celery and apricot. Relative standard deviations (RSDs) were less than 10% for all of the recovery tests. The calculated limits of quantitation (LOQs) (0.1-0.5 mg kg(-1)) were equal or lower then the maximum residue limits (MRLs) established by European legislation (0.1-0.5 mg kg(-1)). The proposed method is fast, easy to perform and could be utilized for monitoring of pesticides residues.

Triple quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometer for the analysis of small molecules and macromolecules

Recently, linear ion traps (LITs) have been combined with quadrupole (Q), time-of-flight (TOF) and Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometry (MS). LITs can be used either as ion accumulation devices or as commercially available, stand-alone mass spectrometers with MSn capabilities. The combination of triple quadrupole MS with LIT technology in the form of an instrument of configuration QqLIT, using axial ejection, is particularly interesting, because this instrument retains the classical triple quadrupole scan functions such as selected reaction monitoring (SRM), product ion (PI), neutral loss (NL) and precursor ion (PC) while also providing access to sensitive ion trap experiments. For small molecules, quantitative and qualitative analysis can be performed using the same instrument. In addition, for peptide analysis, the enhanced multiply charged (EMC) scan allows an increase in selectivity, while the time-delayed fragmentation (TDF) scan provides additional structural information. Various methods of operating the hybrid instrument are described for the case of the commercial Q TRAP (AB/MDS Sciex) and applications to drug metabolism analysis, quantitative confirmatory analysis, peptides analysis and automated nanoelectrospray (ESI-chip-MS) analysis are discussed.

Effect of cooking time and temperature on the heterocyclic amine content of fried beef patties

The mutagenic heterocyclic amines 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (MeIQx), 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline (IQ), 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) and 2-amino-3,4,8-trimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (DiMeIQx) were measured in ground-beef patties fried at 150, 190 and 230 degrees C for 2-10 min on each side. Heterocyclic amines were purified using solid-phase extraction and analysed by HPLC. Recovery-corrected amounts of each heterocyclic amine were determined by the method of standard addition based on spiked samples with recoveries ranging from 40 to 70%. Mutagenic activity measured by the Ames/Salmonella test was determined for each sample. The amounts of MeIQx, PhIP, DiMeIQx and IQ increased with time and temperature of cooking. 3-Amino-1,4-dimethyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole (Trp-P-1), 3-amino-1-methyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole (Trp-P-2) and 2-amino-9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indole (A alpha C) were not detected in any sample. The mutagenic activity response measured for the meat extracts (TA98 revertants) was similar to the mutagenic activity calculated from the mass of heterocyclic amines present. The rate of formation of PhIP in a model system containing creatinine and phenylalanine heated in 80% diethylene glycol was compared with PhIP formation during meat frying. The apparent heats of activation were 6.5 kcal/mol in the model system compared with 6.0 kcal/mol in the fried meat patties. The increase in PhIP and MeIQx formation fitted an exponential function over the range 0 to 11 min and from 150 to 230 degrees C. This report shows clearly that increases in cooking temperature and time can have a profound effect on the amounts of heterocyclic amines generated and subsequently consumed in the diet.

Quantitative target and systematic non-target analysis of polar organic micro-pollutants along the river Rhine using high-resolution mass-spectrometry--Identification of unknown sources and compounds

In this study, the contamination by polar organic pollutants was investigated along the Rhine River, an important source of drinking water for 22 million people in central Europe. Following the flow of the river, a traveling water mass was sampled using weekly flow-proportional composite samples at ten different downstream sites, including main tributaries. Using a broad analytical method based on solid phase extraction and high-resolution mass spectrometry, the water was analyzed for more than 300 target substances. While the water in Lake Constance contained only 83 substances in often low concentrations, the number of detects found in the water phase increased to 143 substances and a weekly load of more than 7 tons at the last sampling site, the Dutch-German border. Mostly present were chemicals originating from wastewater treatment plants, especially the artificial sweetener Acesulfam and two pharmaceuticals, Metformin and Gabapentin, which dominate the weekly load up to 58%. Although the sample campaign was performed in a dry period in early spring, a large variety of pesticides and biocides were detected. Several industrial point sources were identified along the waterway's 900 km journey, resulting in high concentrations in the tributaries and loads of up to 160 kg. Additionally, an unbiased non-target analysis was performed following two different strategies for the prioritization of hundreds of potentially relevant unknown masses. While for the first prioritization strategy, only chlorinated compounds were extracted from the mass spectrometer datasets, the second prioritization strategy was performed using a systematic reduction approach between the different sampling sites. Among others, two substances that never had been detected before in this river, namely, the muscle relaxant Tizanidine and the solvent 1,3-Dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone (DMI), were identified and confirmed, and their loads were roughly estimated along the river.

Immunohistochemical detection of imidazolone, a novel advanced glycation end product, in kidneys and aortas of diabetic patients

To investigate the role of the Maillard reaction in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications, we produced several clones of monoclonal antibodies against advanced glycation end products (AGEs) by immunizing mice with AGE-modified keyhole limpet hemocyanin, and found that one clone (AG-1) of the anti-AGE antibodies reacted specifically with imidazolones A and B, novel AGEs. Thus, the imidazolones, which are the reaction products of the guanidino group of arginine with 3-deoxyglucosone (3-DG), a reactive intermediate of the Maillard reaction, were found to be common epitopes of AGE-modified proteins produced in vitro. We determined the erythrocyte levels of imidazolone in diabetic patients using ELISA with the monoclonal anti-imidazolone antibody. The imidazolone levels in the erythrocytes of diabetic patients were found to be significantly increased as compared with those of healthy subjects. Then we studied the localization of imidazolone in the kidneys and aortas obtained from diabetic patients by immunohistochemistry using the antibody. Specific imidazolone immunoreactivity was detected in nodular lesions and expanded mesangial matrix of glomeruli, and renal arteries in an advanced stage of diabetic nephropathy, as well as in atherosclerotic lesions of aortas. This study first demonstrates the localization of imidazolone in the characteristic lesions of diabetic nephropathy and atherosclerosis. These results, taken together with a recent demonstration of increased serum 3-DG levels in diabetes, strongly suggest that imidazolone produced by 3-DG may contribute to the progression of long-term diabetic complications such as nephropathy and atherosclerosis.

Effect of cooking temperature on the formation of heterocyclic amines in fried meat products and pan residues

Frequent consumers of meat have an increased risk of colorectal cancer and possibly also of breast, stomach, pancreas and urinary bladder cancer. Bacon, 'Falusausage', ground beef, meatballs, pork belly, pork chops and sliced beef account for more than one-third of the intake of fried meat of the population of Stockholm of age 50-75. These dishes were fried at four temperatures (150, 175, 200 and 225 degrees C) representing normal household cooking practices in Stockholm. Heterocyclic amines in these dishes were analysed using solid-phase extraction and HPLC. The heterocyclic amines 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline (IQ), 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (MeIQx), 2-amino-3,4,8-trimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (DiMeIQx) and 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) were recovered. The formation of IQ was favoured by moderate cooking temperatures; IQ was detected in one meat sample cooked at 150 degrees C and in some pan residues. The yield of MeIQx, DiMeIQx and PhIP increased with the temperature. For several of the meat dishes, the content of heterocyclic amines in the pan residue was as large or larger than for corresponding piece of meat. The highest levels of MeIQx were 23.7 ng/g in the meat and 23.3 ng/g in the pan residue. Corresponding data for DiMeIQx were 2.7 and 4.1 ng/g and for PhIP 12.7 and 82.4 ng/g. The study leaves little doubt that mutagenic heterocyclic amines are ingested by the population of Stockholm, and added to previous epidemiological studies from the same area, the combined data are consistent with human carcinogenicity of heterocyclic amines. However, analytical epidemiological studies are needed before any statement on causality can be made.

Factors influencing the occurrence and distribution of neonicotinoid insecticides in surface waters of southern Ontario, Canada

The widespread use of neonicotinoid insecticides and recent increased regulatory scrutiny requires the generation of monitoring data with sufficient scope and resolution to provide decision makers with a better understanding of occurrence and distribution in the environment. This study presents a wide-scale investigation of neonicotinoid insecticides used across the range of agricultural activities from fifteen surface water sites in southern Ontario. Using statistical analysis, the correlation of individual compounds with land use was investigated, and the relationship between neonicotinoid occurrence and hydrologic parameters in calibrated water courses was also assessed. Of the five neonicotinoids studied, imidacloprid, clothianidin and thiamethoxam exhibited detection rates above 90% at over half the sites sampled over a three year period (2012-2014). At two sites in southwestern Ontario, the Canadian Federal freshwater guideline value for imidacloprid (230 ng/L) was exceeded in roughly 75% of the samples collected. For some watersheds, there were correlations between the occurrence of neonicotinoids and precipitation and/or stream discharge. Some watersheds exhibited seasonal maxima in concentrations of neonicotinoids in spring and fall, particularly for those areas where row crop agriculture is predominant; these seasonal patterns were absent in some areas characterized by a broad range of agricultural activities.

A LC/APCI-MS/MS method for analysis of imidacloprid in soils, in plants, and in pollens

Imidacloprid, the most used systemic insecticide, is suspected of having harmful effects on honeybees at nanogram per bee or at microgram per kilogram levels. However, there is a lack of methodology to detect imidacloprid and its metabolites at such low levels. We developed a method for the determination of low amounts of imidacloprid in soils, plants (leaves and flowers), and pollens by using HPLC coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (APCI-MS/MS). Extraction, separation, and detection were performed according to quality assurance criteria, to Good Laboratory Practice, and to criteria from the directive 96/23/EC, which is designed for banned substances. The linear range of application is 0.5-20 microg/kg imidacloprid in soils, in plants, and in pollens, with a relative standard deviation of 2.9% at 1 microg/kg. The limits of detection and of quantification are LOD = 0.1 microg/kg and LOQ = 1 microg/kg, respectively. For the first time, this study permitted us to follow the fate of imidacloprid in the environment. When treated, flowers of sunflower and maize contain average values of approximately 10 microg/kg imidacloprid. This explains that pollens from these crops are contaminated at levels of a few micrograms per kilogram, suggesting probable deleterious effects on honeybees.

Determination of acetamiprid, imidacloprid, and nitenpyram residues in vegetables and fruits by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection

Determination of 3 neonicotinoid insecticides, nitenpyram, imidacloprid, and acetamiprid, was studied. Vegetables and fruits were extracted with acetonitrile. The crude extract was passed through a weak anion-exchange cartridge (PSA). The effluent was subjected to silica gel cartridge. Imidacloprid and acetamiprid were eluted with 10 mL of 4:6 (v/v) acetone/hexane, followed by nitenpyram with acetone (20 mL). Pesticides were determined by HPLC with a C-18 column and diode-array detection system. Imidacloprid and acetamiprid were recovered at about 90% at the spike levels with 0.2 and 2 mg/kg in cucumber, potato, tomato, eggplant, Japanese radish, and grape. Nitenpyram was recovered at 64-80%. Relative standard deviations were less than 10% throughout all the recovery tests. In the residue analysis, agriculturally incurred pesticides at 0.08-0.14 mg/kg were designated with UV spectra compared with respective reference standards.