Clothianidin dissipation in tomato and soil, and distribution in tomato peel and flesh

Clothianidin, a new neonicotinoid insecticide, was systematically evaluated. An analytical method using gas chromatography with electron capture detection was developed. Recoveries were between 92% and 102%, with relative standard deviations from 3% to 5% at three fortified levels. The decrease of clothianidin in tomato and soil samples under field conditions at Beijing, Shandong, and Anhui were determined. The dissipation rates of clothianidin fit first-order kinetics. Its half-lives ranged from 6.7 to 12.7 days in soil, and 7.0 to 11.9 days in tomato. On the suggested pre-harvest interval of 7 days, the distribution of clothianidin in tomato peel and flesh was studied. Most residues were found on the peel. Hence, removing the tomato peel before consumption is advisable. The stability of clothianidin fortified at 0.3 or 3 mg/kg in frozen green and red ripe tomatoes was also determined. The half-life mainly depended on the spiked levels of this pesticide.

► This was the first time to detect clothianidin using GC-ECD and confirm by GC-MS. ► The decline in tomato and soil of clothianidin at three sites was studied. ► The storage stability of clothianidin in frozen tomato was decided largely by the concentration. ► At the harvest day, most clothianidin was on the peel of tomato.