Abstract

A semiautomated method based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled to Orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry has been developed for the determination of neonicotinoids (imidacloprid, acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, nitenpyram, thiacloprid and thiamethoxam) and the metabolite acetamiprid-n-desmethyl in urine samples. Two automated methods were tested (solid-phase extraction “SPE” and turbulent flow chromatography “TurboFlow™”), obtaining the best results when TurboFlow™ was applied. The total analysis time for the developed method was 14min. The optimized method was validated, obtaining suitable results for all validation parameters. Recoveries ranged from 78% to 116% meanwhile repeatability and reproducibility were evaluated obtaining values lower than 10% and 20% respectively (except for dinotefuran and nitenpyram at 0.2μgL−1). The limit of quantification (LOQ) for all compounds was established at 0.2μgL−1. The proposed analytical methodology was applied to analyze the target compounds in thirty six urine samples from pregnant women living in agricultural areas of Almería (Spain). Imidacloprid, acetamiprid and acetamiprid-n-desmethyl were detected in some of the samples at concentrations ranging from 0.23 to 1.57μgL−1. Furthermore, dinotefuran was identified in two samples at trace levels.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.