Target and suspect screening approaches for the identification of emerging and other contaminants in fish feeds using high resolution mass spectrometry.

Fish feed is essential in aquaculture fish production because, along with beneficial nutrients and components, many suspected compounds can be transferred to fish and ultimately to humans. In this context, a comprehensive analysis was conducted to monitor various pesticides and pharmaceutical compounds in aquaculture fish feed through target analysis and many other groups of chemicals via suspect screening approaches. In this study, the QuEChERS extraction method was optimized, validated, and applied to fifty-four fish feed samples collected from different production batches. This was followed by liquid chromatography-high-resolution linear ion trap/Orbitrap mass spectrometry (LC-HR-IT/Orbitrap-MS) for targeted and suspect screening purposes. In general, pesticides provided satisfactory recoveries (70-105.5 %), with quantification limits lower than 5 ng g-1, whereas pharmaceuticals displayed recoveries ranging from 70.5 to 120.2 %, with quantification limits below 25 ng g-1. In addition, the matrix effects and measurement uncertainty were assessed to provide more accurate and high-confidence results. Pirimiphos-methyl was detected and quantified in 20 of 54 fish feed samples (37 %) at concentrations <77 ng g-1. Finally, suspect screening revealed the occurrence of 10 mycotoxins (e.g., citrinin, aflatoxin G2, zearalenone, and alternariol), two pesticides excluding the target pesticides (tebuconazole and fenazaquin), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) in almost 2 % of the samples, and ethoxyquin (antioxidant), with 12 of its Transformation Products (TPs). Finally, suspect analysis incorporated in routine analyses have proven to have great potential for complete monitoring.

Photocatalytic Degradation of Inherent Pharmaceutical Concentration Levels in Real Hospital WWTP Effluents Using g-C3N4 Catalyst on CPC Pilot Scale Reactor.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of a solar photocatalytic process using g-C3N4 as photocatalyst on the degradation of pharmaceutical compounds detected in hospital wastewater treatment plant secondary effluents. A compound parabolic collector pilot plant, established in the secondary effluent stream of the Ioannina city hospital wastewater treatment plant, was used for the photocatalytic experiments. The analysis of the samples before and after the photocatalytic treatment was accomplished using solid phase extraction (SPE), followed by UHPLC-LTQ/Orbitrap HRMS. Initial effluent characterization revealed the presence of ten pharmaceutical compounds. Among these, amisulpride, O-desmethyl venlafaxine, venlafaxine and carbamazepine were detected in all experiments. Initial concentrations ranged from 73 ng L-1 for citalopram to 2924.53 ng L-1 for O-desmethyl venlafaxine. The evolution of BOD5 and COD values were determined before and after the photocatalytic treatment. All detected pharmaceuticals were removed in percentages higher than 54% at an optimum catalyst loading ranging between 200 and 300 mg L-1. The potential of the catalyst to be reused without any treatment for two consecutive cycles was studied, showing a significant efficiency decrease.

Determination of Multiclass Pharmaceutical Residues in Milk Using Modified QuEChERS and Liquid-Chromatography-Hybrid Linear Ion Trap/Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry: Comparison of Clean-Up Approaches and Validation Studies.

A multi-residue method was developed to identify and quantify pharmaceutical drug residues in full-fat milk, using a modified QuEChERS extraction procedure and sonication combined with Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-High-Resolution Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-HR-Orbitrap-MS). Sample preparation involves three different QuEChERS extraction procedures and sorbents for the purification step. The optimized modified extraction method, combined with the clean-up approaches using C18 and the EMR-Lipid sorbent, has been validated in terms of linearity, recovery, precision, LOD and LOQ, matrix effects (ME) and expanded uncertainty. The optimized method showed a linearity >0.9903, recoveries within the range 65.1-120.1%, precision (expressed as %RSD) <17.5%, medium (<39.9%) to low (<16.7%) matrix effects and acceptable expanded uncertainty (<33.1%). Finally, the proposed method was applied to representative real samples of milk (by local markets), revealing the existence of one pharmaceutical drug (imidocarb) in one sample.

Simultaneous determination of pharmaceuticals and metabolites in fish tissue by QuEChERS extraction and UHPLC Q/Orbitrap MS analysis.

In recent years, the occurrence, fate, and adverse effects of pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) in aquatic organisms have become a noteworthy issue. In the present study, a rapid and sensitive multiresidue analytical method was developed for the determination of 18 parent PhACs and 5 metabolites in sea bream (Sparus aurata), by combining a modified QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe) procedure with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-Orbitrap-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Orbitrap-MS). The method development involved optimization of extraction solvent, extraction salts, clean-up sorbents, and amount of sample evaluation, while identification on Orbitrap MS was based on accurate mass and further confirmation with MS/MS fragmentation. The developed method was validated, and linearity was higher than 0.99. Recoveries in all cases ranged between 62 and 107% (at 10, 50, and 100 ng g-1), while intra-day and inter-day precision, expressed as relative standard deviation, RSD, was lower than 4% and 7%, respectively. In addition, limits of quantification (LOQs) ranged between 0.5 and 19 ng g-1. The compounds presented a low matrix effect, between - 13 and 4%, while the expanded uncertainty U% estimated at the three spiking levels 10, 50, and 100 ng g-1 was found below 49% in all cases. Finally, the validated method was applied to sea bream samples from an aquaculture farm located in the Mediterranean Sea, with one positive finding for the antibiotic trimethoprim at a concentration of 26 ng g-1, presenting negligible human health risk.

Assessment of multiclass pharmaceutical active compounds (PhACs) in hospital WWTP influent and effluent samples by UHPLC-Orbitrap MS: Temporal variation, removals and environmental risk assessment.

Nowadays the occurrence and associated risks of Pharmaceutical Active Compounds (PhACs) in the aquatic environment comprises a major issue. In the present study, a comprehensive survey on contamination profiles, occurrence, removals, temporal variation and ecological risk of multiclass multiresidue PhACs, such as antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, lipid regulators and phsychiatrics, (including past and newly monitored PhACs as well as some of their metabolites) was performed in wastewaters from the WWTP of Ioannina University hospital along one year period on a monthly sampling basis. WWTP influent and effluent samples were analyzed for physicochemical quality parameters and PhACs concentration levels using Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Orbitrap-Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-Orbitrap-MS), after Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) through Oasis HLB cartridges. Influent concentrations ranged between < LOQ (Limit of Quantification) for diclofenac and tolfenamic acid and 48586 ng/L for caffeine, while effluent concentrations between < LOQ for tolfenamic acid and simvastatin and 3361 ng/L for caffeine. Removal efficiencies ranged between -132.6% for venlafaxine and 100% for caffeine. Environmental risk assessment by means of Risk Quotient (RQ) for maximum and minimum concentration levels as well as optimized by the frequency of exceeding toxicity threshold values, RQf, was applied revealing that up to 12 PhACs posed acute toxicity (clofibric acid, fenofibrate, sulfadiazine, sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, amitryptiline, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, norfluoxetine, sertraline, venlafaxine, caffeine) while up to 4 compounds exerted long-term toxicity (sulfamethoxazole, fluoxetine, sertraline, caffeine) at least for one of the studied organisms. Furthermore, mixture RQMEC/PNEC and RQSTU effect of multiple compounds showed high potential risks of the target groups in some cases, although some contaminants were not included due to lack of available data. Results can be used to prioritization of PhACs and their metabolites for surveillance in receiving water bodies as well as development of knowledge on toxicity and mechanism(s) of action.

A modified QuEChERS approach for the analysis of pharmaceuticals in sediments by LC-Orbitrap HRMS.

This work reports on a rapid and sensitive analytical method intended to be used for investigation of 25 multiclass pharmaceuticals in sediments. The method comprises a modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe (QuEChERS) extraction, followed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution linear ion trap/Orbitrap mass spectrometry, operated in positive ionization mode. The crucial parameters of both extraction and cleanup as well as those related to liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry were optimized and the method was validated in terms of accuracy, method detection and quantification limits, precision, linearity, and matrix effects. A matrix-matched calibration approach and isotopically labeled internal standards were employed for quantification and correction of matrix effects. In the optimized method, recoveries were calculated to be between 64 and 101% in the intermediate spiking level, with a relative standard deviation below 14%. Method quantification limits ranged from 1.3 to 47 ng g-1. The linearity, expressed as a correlation coefficient, was over 0.998 in all cases, within a range from each compound's method quantification limit to 250 ng g-1. The matrix effect study revealed slight signal suppression that decreased after the cleanup step for 50% of the pharmaceuticals, proving its adequacy to limit matrix interferences, without causing any important loss of relevant analytes. The applicability of the method was successfully tested in sediments from two Greek rivers in northwestern Greece, revealing the presence of paracetamol, risperidone, venlafaxine, citalopram, and carbamazepine and estimating for the first time the potential occurrence of pharmaceuticals in these two aquatic systems.

Trace analysis of pesticide residues in sediments using liquid chromatography-high-resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometry.

The present study describes the optimization and validation of an analytical method based on quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) extraction and purification with dispersive solid-phase extraction (dSPE) before analysis, followed by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution linear ion trap/Orbitrap (LTQ Orbitrap) mass spectrometry for the determination of 18 pesticides in sediment. To optimize process efficiency, parameters such as pH, extraction salts, sediment amount, and cleanup sorbents were evaluated. Identification was based on both accurate mass and retention time, and further confirmation was achieved by mass spectrometry fragmentation. The optimized analytical method demonstrated good validation characteristics, such as accuracy (recoveries from 70.8% to 106.2%), method quantification limits (below 10 ng g-1 for 89% of the pesticides selected), linearity (coefficient of determination greater than 0.9921 in all cases), precision (repeatability and reproducibility with standard deviations below 18% and 21%, respectively), and matrix effect (signal suppression was exhibited for almost all analytes). The overall method performance, expressed as process efficiency, ranged from 58.8% to 102.1%. The validated method was successfully applied to real samples collected along two rivers in northwestern Greece, revealing the presence of three selected pesticides but at levels below the method quantification limit.

Effects of anti-androgens cyproterone acetate, linuron, vinclozolin, and p,p'-DDE on the reproductive organs of the copepod Acartia tonsa.

The study was performed to detect the effects of anti-androgenic compounds on the reproduction. In this paper alterations observed in the marine calanoid copepod Acartia tonsa exposed to environmental concentrations of cyproterone acetate (CPA), linuron (LIN), vinclozolin (VIN), and 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene (p,p'-DDE) for 21 days covering a full life cycle are described. Histological alterations were studied with a focus on reproductive organs, gonad and accessory sexual glands. Exposure to ≥1.2 µg L(-1) CPA caused degeneration of spermatocytes and deformation of the spermatophore in males. In a single male exposed to 33 µg L(-1) CPA, an ovotestis was observed. In CPA exposed females, enhancement of oogenesis, increase in apoptosis and a decrease in proliferation occurred. Exposure of males to ≥12 µg L(-1) LIN caused degenerative effects in spermatogonia, spermatocytes and spermatids, and at 4.7 µg L(-1) LIN, the spermatophore wall displayed an irregular formation. In LIN exposed females, no such structural alterations were found; however, the proliferation index was reduced at 29 µg L(-1) LIN. At an exposure concentration of ≥100 µg L(-1) VIN, distinct areas in male gonad were stimulated, whereas others displayed a disturbed spermatogenesis and a deformed spermatophore wall. In VIN exposed female A. tonsa, no effects were observed. Male A. tonsa exposed to p,p'-DDE displayed an impairment of spermatogenesis in all stages with increased degrees of apoptosis. In p,p'-DDE-exposed females, a statistical significant increase of the proliferation index and an intensification of oogenesis were observed at 0.0088 µg L(-1).

Residues of selected polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and organochlorine pesticides (OCP) in postmortem lungs from Epirus, northwestern Greece.

Organochlorine (OC) pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) are compounds characterized as persistent organic pollutants (POP) in the environment. These compounds are monitored globally since they enter the human body and accumulate in tissues, resulting in consequent adverse effects. In this study concentrations of selected OC compounds were determined in human autopsy lungs from Epirus, a relatively restricted region in northwestern Greece. This is the first epidemiologic study from Greece reporting on monitoring of environmental pollutants in human autopsy material. Thirty lungs collected from that number of autopsy cases were analyzed: 19 males and 11 females. The age range was 14-91 yr (mean ± SD = 61.8 ± 22.5 yr). Twenty-two cases (73%) were positive for at least one pollutant and eight cases were negative (27%). PCB were the most abundant class of contaminants, detected in 15 out of the 30 cases (50%). Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCH) were second and third in abundance with 9 (30%) and 8 (27%) positive cases, respectively. The frequency of detection showed a tendency to increase with age of individuals. The patterns of OC found in human autopsy lungs were similar to those reported previously for other human specimens. Our results demonstrated a similar trend in contamination sources and distribution has occurred in western Greece as noted globally.

High resolution mass spectrometry targeted analysis and suspect screening of pesticide residues in fruit samples and assessment of dietary exposure.

Fruits consistently hold a prominent position in healthy dietary habits. Pesticides are used to manage plant diseases, achieve sustainable production, and maintain high food standards. This study utilized a comprehensive analytical technique that involved both targeted analysis and suspect screening. Analysis was conducted using Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with hybrid Linear Trap Quadrupole (LTQ)/Orbitrap High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) to examine pesticide levels in fruits. The matrices chosen comprised fruit commodities that are commonly consumed in Greece, including table grapes, apples, pears, citrus fruits, and strawberries. The QuEChERS approach was effectively validated for 30 specific pesticides. According to the method acceptance criteria established by SANTE, the QuEChERS method have shown exceptional efficiency in extracting the chosen pesticides, with recovery rates ranging from 70% to 120% in three concentration levels (10, 50, 100 µg kg-1). It also exhibited outstanding linearity, with an R2 more than 0.99. The method exhibited exceptional precision, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) below 20%. Additionally, the combined measurement uncertainty (MU%) was found to be acceptable, remaining below 50% The quantification limits were below 10 µg kg-1 for the majority of the analytes, satisfying the Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) established by the European Commission. Following targeted analysis, a dietary risk assessment was performed, revealing that both acute and chronic hazard quotients (aHQ and cHQ), along with chronic hazard index (cHI) were below 1, which indicated that the studied commodities are safe for human consumption. In addition, a suspect screening workflow was developed based on an in-house database comprising 355 pesticides commonly applied to the relevant commodities and related transformation products (TPs). Overall, through suspect screening, twenty-two additional pesticides and TPs not included in the target list were identified. Hence, this approach is anticipated to function as proactive alert system guaranteeing the long-term viability of agricultural production.

Aqueous fate of furaltadone: Kinetics, high-resolution mass spectrometry - based elucidation and toxicity assessment of photoproducts.

Furaltadone (FTD) is an antibiotic belonging to the nitrofurans group. It has been broadly used in livestock and aquaculture for therapeutic purposes, as well as for stimulating promotion. Although the European Union has imposed restrictions on the use of FTD since 1995 due to concerns regarding its toxicity, in many cases FTD has been excessively and/or illegally applied in productive animals in developing countries, because of its high efficacy and low-cost. Unlike other nitrofuran compounds, the hydrolytic and photolytic behavior of FTD in natural aquatic systems has not been thoroughly investigated. To this end, hydrolysis in different pH values and photolysis in aquatic environment, including lake, river and sea water have been both examined. Hydrolysis was found to have an insignificant impact on degradation of FTD in the aquatic environment relevant pH values, whereas indirect photolysis proved to be the main route of its elimination. The identification of tentative photoproducts (PPs) was performed using ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled to hybrid LTQ/Orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry. A possible pathway for photolytic transformation of FTD was proposed. Additionally, in silico simulations were used to evaluate the toxicity such as the mutagenicity of FTD and PPs. Complementary to the low-cost and time-limited simulations, an in vitro method (Vibrio Fischeri bioluminescence) was also used to assess ecotoxicity.

Evaluation of matrix solid-phase dispersion extraction for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in household dust with the aid of experimental design and response surface methodology.

A simple, fast, and inexpensive procedure for sample preparation based on matrix solid-phase dispersion was developed for the determination of Environmental Protection Agency 16 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in indoor dust samples. Parameters that affect the extraction efficiency such as type of dispersant, elution solvent, and solvent volume were evaluated and optimized with the aid of experimental design and response surface methodology. Analysis was performed by HPLC coupled with UV-Vis diode array detector (UV-DAD). For verification, a GC coupled with a mass spectrometer in SIM mode was also applied. Recoveries obtained were from 53 to 120% for all target analytes with detection limits ranging from 0.2 to 10 ng/g and 0.2 to 2 ng/g for LC-UV-DAD and GC-MS, respectively. The optimized method was used for the analysis of 11 household dust samples collected from private houses.

Development and application of chemometric-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction for the determination of suspected fragrance allergens in water samples.

A simple and green method based on dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction, mated to chemometrics and followed by mass spectrometric detection for the determination of suspected fragrance allergens in water samples is developed and assessed in this work. Volume of extraction and disperser solvent, pH, ionic strength, extraction time, sample volume, as well as centrifugation time were initially optimized in a fractional factorial design. The obtained significant factors were optimized by using a central composite design and the quadratic model between the dependent and the independent variables was built. The obtained optimal conditions were: aqueous sample of 3.8 mL, 100 µL chloroform, 1.40 mL acetone, 4 min centrifugation time, natural pH containing 5% (w/v) NaCl, and centrifugation speed 4000 rpm. Method proved to be linear over a wide range of concentration for all analytes with R(2) between 0.9807 and 0.9959. The repeatability and reproducibility of the proposed method, expressed as relative standard deviation, varied between 3-13% and 4-16%, respectively. The limits of detection ranged from 0.007 to 1.0 µg L(-1) . The recommended method was applied to water samples including baby bath as well as swimming pool water samples and was compared with a previously reported method.

Bioassays and biochemical biomarkers for assessing olive mill and citrus processing wastewater toxicity.

The toxicity and the biochemical effects of olive mill wastewater and citrus processing wastewater were evaluated using acute toxicity bioassays (Gammarus pulex and Hydropsyche peristerica) and biochemical biomarkers (acetylcholinesterase [AChE] and glutathione S-transferase [GST]). The bioassays indicated toxic properties of olive mill and citrus processing wastewaters. The 24 h LC(50) values of olive mill wastewater ranged from 2.64% to 3.36% for G. pulex and 3.62% to 3.88% for H. peristerica, while the LC(50) of citrus processing wastewater was 25.26% for G. pulex and 17.16% for H. peristerica. Based on a five-class hazard classification system applied for wastewaters discharged into the aquatic environment, olive mill wastewater and citrus processing wastewater were classified as highly toxic and toxic, respectively. Results of the biochemical biomarkers showed that both agroindustrial effluents at increasing sublethal wastewater concentrations could cause inhibition of the AChE and induction of the GST activities. These first results showed that both species as well as their AChE and GST activities have the potential to be used as indicators and biomarkers for assessing olive mill and citrus processing wastewaters quality.

Levels, sources and spatiotemporal variation of nutrients and micropollutants in small streams of a Mediterranean River basin.

In this study, nutrients, trace metals and priority pesticide compounds were investigated for the first time in water and sediment samples in streams of the Evrotas River basin (S.E. Greece) from 2006 to 2008. The most important sources of contamination were from the entry of pesticides and nutrients into surface waters and sediments as a result of the intensive agricultural activity as well as from the uncontrolled disposal of olive mill and citrus processing wastewaters. Aquatic risk assessment revealed that all insecticides detected showed high risk, suggesting adverse effects on the stream biota. Among the metals analyzed, Cr, Ni and Ba presented the highest concentrations in sediments, however, due to natural geological processes. Multivariate statistical techniques applied for data compression, exploration and interpretation proved to be useful tools for identifying the most critical pollutants affecting the surface water quality. The findings of this study suggest that the inclusion of streams with small catchment areas into WFD monitoring and assessment programs is essential, especially those of the Mediterranean region.

Organochlorine residues in blood of cinereous vultures and Eurasian griffon vultures in a northeastern Mediterranean area of nature conservation.

In the National Park of Dadia-Lefkimi-Soufli Forest (Dadia NP, Greece), seven "target" PCBs and 16 organochlorine pesticides (OCs) were analysed in blood samples of cinereous vultures (Aegypius monachus) and Eurasian griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus). PCB congeners 138, 153 and 180 predominated in both species' blood samples. In both species, no differences were detected in congener levels between successive age classes, but in cinereous vulture, there were significant differences between adult and nestling in levels of PCB 28, 52, 101, 118 and between nestling and immature in levels of PCB 101. Regarding pesticides, p,p'-DDE dominated in both vultures followed by ß-HCH, lindane and endosulfan sulphate, but ∑OCs were higher in griffon vulture. Significant differences were detected only between nestling and sub-adult cinereous vultures in heptachlor levels and between nestling and adult in p,p'-DDT. The origin of pollutants differs between the two vulture species and pollution patterns may not reflect those at Dadia NP.

An overview of homogeneous and heterogeneous photocatalysis applications for the removal of pharmaceutical compounds from real or synthetic hospital wastewaters under lab or pilot scale.

The last few decades, Pharmaceutical Active Compounds (PhACs) have been considered as emerging contaminants due to their continuous release and persistence to aquatic environment even at low concentrations. A growing number of research articles have shown the occurrence of numerous PhACs in various wastewater treatment plant influents, hospital effluents, and surface waters all over the world. The rising concern regarding PhACs, which present high recalcitrance towards conventional treatment methods, has provoked extensive research in the field of their effective remediation. This review provides a comprehensive assessment of homogeneous and heterogeneous photocatalytic applications for the removal of PhACs, from real or artificial hospital wastewater effluents. These two representative advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are assessed in terms of their efficiency to remove PhACs, reduce the COD and toxicity as well as increase the biodegradability of the effluent. Simultaneously with their efficiency the operational costs of the processes are considered. Their potential combination with other processes is critically discussed, as this option seems to enhance the treatment efficiency and simultaneously overcome the limitations of each individual process. Moreover, the type of reactors as well as the main parameters that should be considered for the design and the development of photoreactors for wastewater treatment are reviewed. Finally, based on the literature survey, indications for future work are provided.

Accurate mass screening of pesticide residues in wine by modified QuEChERS and LC-hybrid LTQ/Orbitrap-MS.

In this research, a quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) extraction procedure and Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Orbitrap-Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-Orbitrap-MS), were combined to obtain a sensitive and rapid method for the determination of multiclass pesticides in white and red wines. The optimization strategy involved the selection of buffering conditions, by applying different QuEChERS procedures and sorbents for the cleanup step in order to achieve acceptably high recoveries and low co-extractives in the final extracts. Identification was based on both accurate mass and retention time, while further confirmation was achieved by MS fragmentation. The method was evaluated in terms of linearity, recovery, precision, limit of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ), matrix effects (ME) and expanded uncertainty. The validated method was successfully applied to real samples (home-made and commercial) revealing the presence of two selected fungicides, in relatively low levels compared to the MRLs defined by the EU for vinification grapes.

FoodOmicsGR_RI. A Consortium for Comprehensive Molecular Characterisation of Food Products.

The national infrastructure FoodOmicsGR_RI coordinates research efforts from eight Greek Universities and Research Centers in a network aiming to support research and development (R&D) in the agri-food sector. The goals of FoodOmicsGR_RI are the comprehensive in-depth characterization of foods using cutting-edge omics technologies and the support of dietary/nutrition studies. The network combines strong omics expertise with expert field/application scientists (food/nutrition sciences, plant protection/plant growth, animal husbandry, apiculture and 10 other fields). Human resources involve more than 60 staff scientists and more than 30 recruits. State-of-the-art technologies and instrumentation is available for the comprehensive mapping of the food composition and available genetic resources, the assessment of the distinct value of foods, and the effect of nutritional intervention on the metabolic profile of biological samples of consumers and animal models. The consortium has the know-how and expertise that covers the breadth of the Greek agri-food sector. Metabolomics teams have developed and implemented a variety of methods for profiling and quantitative analysis. The implementation plan includes the following research axes: development of a detailed database of Greek food constituents; exploitation of "omics" technologies to assess domestic agricultural biodiversity aiding authenticity-traceability control/certification of geographical/genetic origin; highlighting unique characteristics of Greek products with an emphasis on quality, sustainability and food safety; assessment of diet's effect on health and well-being; creating added value from agri-food waste. FoodOmicsGR_RI develops new tools to evaluate the nutritional value of Greek foods, study the role of traditional foods and Greek functional foods in the prevention of chronic diseases and support health claims of Greek traditional products. FoodOmicsGR_RI provides access to state-of-the-art facilities, unique, well-characterised sample sets, obtained from precision/experimental farming/breeding (milk, honey, meat, olive oil and so forth) along with more than 20 complementary scientific disciplines. FoodOmicsGR_RI is open for collaboration with national and international stakeholders.

Simple analytical methodology based on solid phase extraction for monitoring pesticide residues in natural waters.

Pesticide contamination of natural waters due to agricultural activities has been a widely publicized topic over the past 30 years and will continue to be a problem in the future. The determination of pesticide residues in water samples is necessary for solving various environmental problems. The aim of this work was to develop an efficient method on the basis of solid phase extraction (SPE) technique for the determination of 34 multiclass pesticides in natural waters. SPE using C18 extraction disks followed by gas chromatography (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography (LC-MS) were used for the determination of various pesticides residues in environmental waters. The developed SPE method provided good repeatability and reproducibility range, high extraction efficiency and low LODs. The performance results confirm the usefulness of the proposed methodology for the analysis multiclass pesticides in natural waters. The key benefits of this methodology are:•It possesses the advantages of SPE (fast, simple, highly sensitive) and could be potentially extended to other classes of pesticides.•It can be used as a useful tool for monitoring purposes on natural waters.•The validated methodology meets regulatory requirements established by the EU [1] and other authorities of developed countries [2].