# Research progress on metabolites of nitrofurazone in aquatic products

## TL;DR

This paper reviews the sources and detection methods of semicarbazide, a harmful metabolite of nitrofurazone, in aquatic products, especially crustaceans.

## Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive overview of SEM sources and detection techniques, highlighting challenges and future research directions.

## Key findings

- SEM in crustaceans may originate from endogenous mechanisms rather than nitrofurazone use.
- Detection methods include derivatization, extraction/purification, and analytical techniques like LC-MS/MS.
- Current monitoring faces challenges, and new markers and methods are needed for accurate detection.

## Abstract

The carcinogenic and teratogenic risks of nitrofurazone (NFZ) led to its restriction in aquatic products. Semicarbazide (SEM), one of its metabolites, is a primary focus of modern monitoring techniques. However, the SEM residue in aquatic products is believed to be formed through endogenous mechanisms, especially for aquatic crustaceans. In this article, we will discuss the source of SEM, including its usage as an antibiotic in aquatic products (nitrofurazone), its production during food processing (azodicarbonamide and hypochlorite treatment), its occurrence naturally in the body, and its intake from the environment. SEM detection techniques were divided into three groups: derivatization, extraction/purification, and analytical methods. Applications based on liquid chromatography and its tandem mass spectrometry, immunoassay, and electrochemical methods were outlined, as were the use of various derivatives and their assisted derivatization, as well as extraction and purification techniques based on liquid-liquid extraction and solid-phase extraction. The difficulties of implementing SEM for nitrofurazone monitoring in aquatic products from crustaceans are also discussed. Possible new markers and methods for detecting them are discussed. Finally, the present research on monitoring illicit nitrofurazone usage through its metabolites is summarised, and potential problems that need to be overcome by continuing research are proposed with an eye toward giving references for future studies.