LC-MS/MS methods for albendazole analysis in feed and its metabolite residues in fish fillet and a leaching study in feed after an alternative procedure for drug incorporation

ABSTRACT

This paper describes the development of analytical methods for the quantification of albendazole (ABZ) in fish feed and ABZ and its main known metabolites (albendazole sulfoxide, albendazole sulfone and albendazole aminosulfone) in fish fillet employing LC-MS/MS. In order to assess the reliability of the analytical methods, evaluation was undertaken as recommended by related guides proposed by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture for analytical method validation. The calibration curve for ABZ quantification in feed showed adequate linearity (r > 0.99), precision (CV < 1.03%) and trueness ranging from 99% to 101%. The method for ABZ residues in fish fillet involving the QuEChERS technique for sample extraction had adequate linearity (r > 0.99) for all analytes, precision (CV < 13%) and trueness around 100%, with CCα < 122 ng g^–1 and CCβ < 145 ng g^–1. Besides, by aiming to avoid the risk of ABZ leaching from feed into the aquatic environment during fish medication via the oral route, a promising procedure for drug incorporation in the feed involving coating feed pellets with ethyl cellulose polymer containing ABZ was also evaluated. The medicated feed had good homogeneity (CV < 3%) and a lower release of ABZ (< 0.2%) from feed to water when the medicated feed stayed in the water for up to 15 min.

KEYWORDS:

• Food contaminants
• veterinary drugs
• albendazole and metabolites
• anti-parasitic drugs
• aquaculture
• LC-MS/MS
• QuEChERS

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do São Paulo (FAPESP) [grant number 2012/18334-0] and Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Level Education Personnel (CAPES).