Absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination of seed-treatment pesticides following the dosing of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica)

Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) were orally dosed with pesticide-treated or control-untreated wheat seeds. Pesticide treated wheat seeds were analytically verified for active ingredients of imidacloprid, metalaxyl, tebuconazole, and fludioxonil. Pesticide and metabolite residues were measured in plasma, liver, brain, kidney, muscle, and excreta of exposed and control birds. Samples were extracted via solid phase extraction, pressurized liquid extraction, or sonication. Clean-up steps included protein precipitation followed by solid phase extraction. All samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.