Multiresidue pesticide analysis by ion‐trap technology: A clean‐up approach for mass spectral analysis

Abstract

Previous studies using the ion trap as a potential replacement for an array of element-sensitive detectors indicated that only semi-quantitative results at the 50-100 ppb range could be obtained for 245 pesticides because of interfering endogenous sample matrix compounds. The development of a new clean-up procedure for a wide range of fruits and vegetables, specifically for use in an ion trap, has been undertaken to improve recoveries at the low ppm level to within analytically acceptable ranges (80-120%). This clean-up involved the use of three solid-phase extractions. The use of a C-18 SepPak column removed the majority of hydrocarbon-like molecules while the anion-exchange column (QMA) removed all colored compounds and flavors, and finally the use of an aminopropyl column removed all sugars. Preliminary results from this study using 24 selected pesticides in four different sample matrices have indicated an acceptable improvement over previous results.

Comparison of solid-phase extraction sorbents for cleanup in pesticide residue analysis of fresh fruits and vegetables

“…For example, the SPE method described in the FDA Pesticide Analytical Manual uses C-18 + SAX + PSA SPE columns [4,5]. Other combinations of SPE columns used for the cleanup of fruit and vegetable extracts include GCB + PSA [6,7], C-18 + GCB + 1NH 2 [8], and GCB + PSA + SAX [9].…”

A multiresidue method for the determination of 109 pesticides in rice using the Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) sample preparation method and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry with temperature control and vacuum concentration

“…In addition, the sample preparation methods are complicated, time‐consuming and involve the consumption of a large volume of solvent. Therefore, new sample preparation and measurement methods are required 7–15…”

A gradual advancement of the extraction and cleanup techniques for residue analysis of pesticides in food matrices and liquid products: a review

“…56.5°C) was used instead of MeCN (b.pt. 81.6°C) because it has higher volatility (which makes it easier to remove) in the most generally used method for analysis of pesticides in fruits and vegetables (Luke method) 11 , a disadvantage of which is the use of the environmental carcinogen dichloromethane. Extraction with ethyl acetate, as employed in the Swedish extraction procedure 12 , is less labor intensive with high yield.…”