Occurrence and distribution of neonicotinoids and characteristic metabolites in paired urine and indoor dust from young adults: Implications for human exposure

• Published in: Environmental research 2021-08, Vol.199, p.111175-111175, Article 111175
• Main Authors: Zhang, Hua, Shen, Kui, Wu, Ruan, Li, Zhiyong, Wang, Xiao, Wang, Desheng, Zhan, Meixiao, Xu, Weiguo, Gao, Yunfei, Lu, Ligong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Indoor dust; Metabolites; Neonicotinoid insecticides; Risk assessment; Urine
• ISSN: 0013-9351; 1096-0953
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111175

Neonicotinoid insecticides (NEOs) are widely used for pest control worldwide. The profile of NEOs in paired urine and indoor dust has not yet been reported in China. In this study, 40 paired samples (i.e., 160 urine and 40 indoor dust) were collected from university students and dormitories from Guangzhou City of China to measure the concentrations of six NEOs and their three metabolites. Target analytes were frequently detected in paired urine (81%–98%) and indoor dust (75%–95%) samples, with median concentrations ranging from 0.02 [specific gravity (SG) adjusted: 0.02] to 2.08 (SG-adjusted: 2.38) ng/mL in urine and from 0.05 to 2.74 ng/g in indoor dust. 5-Hydroxy-imidacloprid was predominant in urine, while N-desmethyl acetamiprid was predominant in indoor dust samples, accounting for 56% and 37%, respectively. 1-Methyl-3-(tetrahydro-3-furylmethyl) urea, a dinotefuran degradate, was measured for the first time in indoor dust, with the median level of 1.02 ng/g. Significant gender-related differences (p