The evaluation of a fast and simple pesticide multiresidue method in various herbs by gas chromatography

Abstract

In this study two analytical methods, one based on matrix solid phase dispersion (MSPD) and the other on liquid–solid extraction (LSE), coupled with gas chromatography, were evaluated and used to determine the presence of 163 pesticides (6 acaricides, 62 fungicides, 18 herbicides and 77 insecticides) in various herbs. Both methods were optimized considering different parameters (sample to sorbent mass ratio, extracting solvent, sorbents for clean-up step, etc.). The results of these validated sample preparation procedures were compared. Under optimum conditions, the mean recoveries obtained were in the range of 70–119 % for MSPD for most pesticides and 70–118 % for LSE, but with several exceptions. Precision values, expressed as relative standard deviation (RSD), were ≤16 % for MSPD and <18 % for LSE. Correlation coefficients were higher than 0.99254 for both methods. LODs (limits of detection) and LOQs (limits of quantification) for MSPD were within the ranges of 0.003–0.03 and 0.005–0.04 mg/kg, respectively. The data demonstrate that the MSPD method was successfully used for the analysis of 163 pesticides in the following herbs: chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.), linden (Tilia), lungwort (Pulmonaria L.), melissa (Melissa L.), peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.). This paper indicates the potential of MSPD for qualitative and quantitative analysis of pesticide residues. This method was therefore validated at three spiking levels (the first ranging from 0.005 to 0.05 mg/kg, the second from 0.05 to 0.5 mg/kg and the third from 0.25 to 2.5 mg/kg) and applied to real samples (n = 15). MSPD proves to be a simple, fast and very useful multiresidue method and can be recommended for routine pesticide monitoring studies in various herbs.

Studies of pesticide residues in tomatoes and cucumbers from Kazakhstan and the associated health risks

“…Therefore, this value is an underestimation of the total exposure to pesticides. Nevertheless, pesticide residue monitoring programs are increasingly important and essential to ensure minimal residue levels in food (Lozowicka 2015 ; Lozowicka et al 2014 ; Yuan et al 2014 ; Wu et al 2014 ).…”

The difference in dissipation of clomazone and metazachlor in soil under field and laboratory conditions and their uptake by plants

“…The literature describes many analytical methods available for the determination of pesticide residues in plant material and soil samples. To a large extent, these methods are based on traditional approaches: soxhlet extraction [14][15][16] , solid phase extraction 17,18 , pressurised liquid extraction 19,20 , matrix solid-phase dispersion 21,22 , solid-phase microextraction 23,24 , or dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction 25 . Currently, the QuEChERS procedure 26 is one of the most commonly used analytical methods for the determination of pesticides residues, and frequently this procedure is modified in terms of amounts and types of reagents, as well as available equipment [27][28][29][30] .…”

The Impact of Selected Pesticides on Honey Bees

“…The concentration of each pesticide was in accordance with the recommendation of the manufacturer. Each dose of pesticide was dissolved in 100 cm 3 Every day the solutions in food dispensers were replaced with new ones in order to minimize the risk of chemical changes in the tested substances. Dead individuals were collected and stored in a freezer (-20ºC).…”