Multivariate optimization of the extraction and cleaning procedure to determine neonicotinoids in honey from intensive livestock and agricultural production areas by UHPLC-MS/MS

Abstract

Neonicotinoid insecticides have been associated with the decline of bee population. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of neonicotinoids in honey samples from apiaries located in areas of intensive livestock and agricultural production in Argentina. For this purpose, a QuEChERS-based analytical method was developed and optimized using multivariate strategies to reduce the processing time and the necessary amount of salts and sorbents. Validation was based on SANTE 11312/2021 guidelines, with recovery percentages between 79 and 120 %, and limits of quantitation between 0.25 and 1.00 µg kg−1. The present study provides a highly sensitive and reliable method for ascertaining residue levels of eight insecticides in 151 honey samples using liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). The presence of three of the target analytes was determined in 13 % of the samples, indicating that honey bee colonies were exposed to neonicotinoids, especially imidacloprid and thiamethoxam. The maximum residue limits were not exceeded in any of the samples; therefore, there is no risk to consumers from the public health point of view.