Solid phase microextraction and gas chromatography with ion trap detector (GC-ITD) analysis of amitraz residues in beeswax after hydrolysis to 2,4-dimethylaniline

An analytical method for the determination of amitraz residues in beeswax after hydrolysis to 2,4-dimethylaniline is reported. It consists of wax extraction with an acid buffer solution, head space solid phase microextraction and GC-ITD analysis. The limit of determination is 1 ng g−1. Wax samples from beekepers and commercial foundations were analysed, content of residues varied from <1 to 20.5 ng g−1.