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Modified QuEChERS Method for Extracting Thiamethoxam and Imidacloprid from Stingless Bees: Development, Application,
Asma Rahman1, Mian Abdul Ali1, Chubraider Xavier1
1São Carlos Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, Brazil.
Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
|June 30, 2022
Summary
A new, eco-friendly method accurately detects neonicotinoid insecticide residues (thiamethoxam and imidacloprid) in stingless bees. This optimized technique is highly sensitive and generates minimal waste, making it ideal for environmental monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Analytical Chemistry
- Entomology
Background:
- Neonicotinoid insecticides pose risks to non-target organisms, including vital pollinators like bees.
- Accurate quantification of pesticide residues in bees is crucial for assessing ecological impact.
- Existing analytical methods may not always meet stringent environmental and efficiency standards.
Purpose of the Study:
- To optimize and validate a green analytical method for determining thiamethoxam and imidacloprid residues in stingless bees (Melipona scutellaris).
- To assess the method's performance against established green analytical metrics and compare it with existing literature methods.
- To apply the validated method for analyzing pesticide exposure in bees.
Main Methods:
- Optimization of a modified Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe (QuEChERS) extraction method using factorial design.
- Determination of insecticide residues using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
- Validation of the method for sensitivity, specificity, linearity, accuracy, and precision, alongside evaluation using green metrics (Eco Scale, HPLC-EAT, waste generation).
Main Results:
- Achieved a limit of quantification of 0.0025 μg/g for both thiamethoxam and imidacloprid with high accuracy (94%-100%) and precision (RSD <10%).
- The optimized method demonstrated superior performance in green analytical metrics, achieving the highest Eco Scale and HPLC-EAT scores, with minimal sample and waste generation compared to literature methods.
- The method was successfully applied to quantify neonicotinoid residues in exposed stingless bee samples.
Conclusions:
- The developed QuEChERS-LC-MS/MS method is highly sensitive, accurate, and suitable for routine analysis of neonicotinoid residues in Melipona scutellaris.
- The method significantly outperforms existing techniques in terms of environmental friendliness, aligning with green chemistry principles.
- This approach provides a valuable tool for monitoring pesticide exposure in pollinators and informing environmental risk assessments.
