Modified QuEChERS Method for Extracting Thiamethoxam and Imidacloprid from Stingless Bees: Development, Application, and Green Metrics

Author(s)

Rahman, Asma ; Ali, Mian Abdul ; Xavier, Chubraider ; Santos, Dayana Moscardi ; Daam, Michiel Adriaan ; Azevedo, Eduardo Bessa ; Castele, Janete Brigante ; Vieira, Eny Maria

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry; v. 41, n. 10, p. 10-pg., 2022-08-19.

Abstract

In the present study, a method for the determination of residues of the neonicotinoid insecticides thiamethoxam and imidacloprid in the stingless bee Melipona scutellaris Latreille (1811) was optimized through a factorial design, tested using green metrics, and then applied to exposed bees. It combines the extraction with a modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe method and the determination by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Different parameters such as the mass of the sample, dispersive sorbents, and elution solvents were assessed. Method validation parameters were checked and include sensitivity, specificity, and linearity. The limit of quantification of 0.0025 mu g g(-1) was obtained for both insecticides, where accuracy was 94%-100% with satisfactory intraday and interday precisions (relative standard deviation <10%). The qualified method was applied to orally and topically exposed bee samples, and the results indicated that it is suitable for the determination and quantification of neonicotinoid pesticide residues in this species. Moreover, green analytical metrics like the National Environmental Methods Index, Eco Scale score, high-performance liquid chromatography with an environmental assessment tool (HPLC-EAT), waste generation, and amount of sample were compared with methods described in the literature involving neonicotinoid analysis in honeybees. As a result, the present study displayed the highest Eco Scale score and HPLC-EAT score and the second smallest amount of sample and waste generated. Thus, the method meets green analytical metrics more than other methods. In this sense, besides the application, the multicriteria decision analysis tool employed suggests that this is a good option as a green analytical method. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;00:1-10. (c) 2022 SETAC (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 09/53850-6 - Acquisition of a mass spectrometer forin-depth studies of the mechanisms of degradation of organic compounds in reactors applied to wastewater treatment and to the production of bioactive commercial compounds
• Grantee: Marcelo Zaiat
• Support Opportunities: Multi-user Equipment Program
• FAPESP's process: 18/16244-0 - Analysis of thiamethoxam in bee tissue and pollen by LCMSMS and environmental risk assessment of insecticide thiamethoxam applied to strawberry cultivation on bees Apis mellifera L. and Tetragonisca angustula Latreille (1811)
• Grantee: Eny Maria Vieira
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants