LC-MS/MS analysis of neonicotinoid insecticides in honey: methodology and residue findings in Austrian honeys.
An analytical method for the simultaneous determination of residues of eight neonicotinoid insecticides and two metabolites in honey using LC-MS/MS was developed and validated. Two approaches of sample preparation were investigated, with the final method involving acetonitrile extraction and subsequent cleanup by dispersive solid-phase extraction (QuEChERS type). Validation was based on quintuplicate analysis at three fortification levels and showed satisfactory recoveries (60-114%) and high precision (RSDs between 2.7 and 12.8%). Low limits of detection and quantification could be achieved for all analytes ranging from 0.6 to 5 μg/kg and from 2 to 10 μg/kg, respectively. Investigations of Austrian honey samples revealed the presence of acetamiprid, thiacloprid, and thiamethoxam residues in honey; however, no sample exceeded the maximum residue limits. On average, flower honey samples contained neonicotinoid residues in higher quantities compared to forest honey samples.
Competence Center for Residue Analysis, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, Spargelfeldstrasse 191, 1220 Wien, Austria.
Gina
G
Tanner
Christoph
C
Czerwenka
D000691:Anabasine / Q000032:analysis*; D001317:Austria; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid / Q000379:methods*; D006722:Honey / Q000032:analysis*; D007306:Insecticides / Q000032:analysis*; D000073943:Neonicotinoids; D009574:Nitro Compounds / Q000032:analysis; D010078:Oxazines / Q000032:analysis; D010573:Pesticide Residues / Q000032:analysis; D011725:Pyridines / Q000032:analysis; D053719:Tandem Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods*; D000077922:Thiamethoxam; D013843:Thiazines / Q000032:analysis; D013844:Thiazoles / Q000032:analysis
D007306:Insecticides; D000073943:Neonicotinoids; D009574:Nitro Compounds; D010078:Oxazines; D010573:Pesticide Residues; D011725:Pyridines; D013843:Thiazines; D013844:Thiazoles; C464485:acetamiprid; D000077922:Thiamethoxam; C417209:thiacloprid; D000691:Anabasine