1. Evaluation of the honeybee exposome in European apiaries by combining passive samplers and liquid chromatography with Zeno trap-time-of-flight mass spectrometry.
- Author
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Del Mar Gómez-Ramos M, Gómez-Ramos MJ, Díaz-Galiano FJ, Murcia-Morales M, Oller-Serrano JL, Martikkala M, Kristiansen P, Vejsnæs F, and Fernández-Alba AR
- Abstract
This study introduces an analytical methodology that combines passive sampling with ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography coupled with a high-end quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometer (UHPLC-QTOF-MS) for monitoring the honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) exposome across various European regions and seasons. The sampling methodology employs the recently developed adsorb pesticide in-hive strips (APIStrip) passive samplers, which use TENAX® TA adsorbent, to collect a wide range of chemicals when placed inside beehives. Following acetonitrile-based desorption, extracts were analyzed by UHPLC-QTOF-MS, equipped with an advanced ion trap -the Zeno trap- that enhances tandem-mass spectrometry (MS/MS) signals and improves mass accuracy, facilitating efficient feature annotation. A non-targeted analysis (NTA) approach, combined with multivariate analysis, was used to simultaneously identify exposure analytes (e.g.natural products) and effect-related metabolites associated with honeybee health and condition (e.g. pheromones and other compounds emitted by bees). This methodology revealed geographical and seasonal variations in the chemical profiles of honeybee hives. In the evaluated Nordic countries, natural products from plants and pollen, along with bee-emitted substances such us neurotransmitters and pheromones, were prevalent. Seasonal analysis in Denmark revealed distinct chemical profiles associated with blooming flowers and peak brood rearing activity in April. This integrated, non-invasive methodology has proven highly effective in assessing the honeybee exposome, providing valuable insights into how environmental factors influence the chemical profiles emitted by bees., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Amadeo Rodriguez reports equipment, drugs, or supplies was provided by Sciex. If there are other authors, they declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2025 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2025
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