Multiresidue analysis of bat guano using GC-MS/MS

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Mammalogy

Background:

• Bats are a diverse mammalian order facing endangerment.
• Effective, non-invasive monitoring of environmental contaminants in bats is crucial.
• Guano analysis offers a promising avenue for assessing ecological burdens.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a multiresidue analytical method for quantifying 119 diverse pollutants in bat guano.
• To establish a non-invasive tool for monitoring the ecological impact on bat populations.
• To assess the feasibility of using GC-MS/MS for contaminant analysis in bat guano.

Main Methods:

• A modified QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Rugged, and Safe) approach was adapted for sample preparation.
• Gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) was employed for simultaneous quantification.
• Analysis involved 1.00 g of bat guano with acetonitrile/water extraction and PSA/GCB clean-up.

Main Results:

• The method successfully quantified 119 analytes including pesticides, POPs, APIs, PAHs, and emerging pollutants.
• Lower limits of quantification (LLOQ) ranged from 2.5 to 250 µg kg⁻¹.
• High median recovery (102.4%) and adequate precision (RSD < 20%) were achieved.

Conclusions:

• The developed GC-MS/MS method provides a reliable and sensitive tool for non-invasive contaminant monitoring in bats.
• Analysis of Myotis myotis guano revealed time-dependent changes in contaminant concentrations.
• This approach supports the urgent need for comprehensive contamination monitoring in bat populations.