Dissipation of difenoconazole in apples used for production of baby food.

Dissipation of fungicide difenoconazole (3-chloro-4-[(2RS,4RS;2RS,4SR)-4-methyl-2-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)-1,3-dioxolan-2-yl]phenyl 4-chlorophenyl ether) was studied following its application on apples intended for production of baby food. The apples (varieties: Jonagold Decosta, Gala and Idared) were sprayed with the formulation to control pathogens causing fungal diseases: powdery mildew (Podosphaera leucotricha ELL et Ev./Salm.) and apple scab (Venturia inaequalis Cooke/Aderh.). A validated gas chromatography-based method with simultaneous electron capture and nitrogen phosphorus detection (GC-ECD/NPD) was used for the residue analysis. The analytical performance of the method was highly satisfactory, with expanded uncertainties ≤ 19% (a coverage factor, k = 2, and a confidence level of 95%). The dissipation of difenoconazole was studied in pseudo-first-order kinetic models (for which the coefficients of determination, R2, ranged between 0.880 and 0.977). The half-life of difenoconazole was 12-21 days in experiments conducted on three apple varieties. In these experiments, the initial residue levels declined gradually and reached the level of 0.01 mg kg-1 in 50-79 days. For the residue levels to remain below 0.01 mg kg-1 (the maximum acceptable concentration for baby foods), difenoconazole must be applied approximately 3 months before harvest, at a dose of 0.2 L ha-1 (50 g of an active ingredient per ha).

Simultaneous gas chromatographic determination of chlorpyrifos and its impurity sulfotep in liquid pesticide formulations.

An analytical method for simultaneous determination of the active substance (chlorpyrifos) and its relevant impurity (sulfotep) in commercial pesticide formulations has been developed and validated. The proposed method entails extraction of the analytes from samples by sonication with acetone and analysis by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID). The proposed method was characterized by satisfactory accuracy and precision. The repeatability expressed as relative standard deviation (RSD) was lower than the acceptable values calculated from the modified Horwitz equation whereas individual recoveries were in the range of 98-102% and 80-120% for chlorpyrifos and sulfotep, respectively. The limit of quantification (LOQ) for the impurity (sulfotep) was 0.003 mg mL(-1) corresponding to the maximum permitted level according to Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO) specifications for the active substance (chlorpyrifos) being 3 g kg(-1) of the chlorpyrifos content found. The main advantage of the proposed method was a considerable reduction in the analysis time since both analytes were determined based on a single injection into the GC-FID. Analysis of real samples of commercial pesticide formulations confirmed fitness-for-purpose of the proposed method.

Two-step dispersive-solid phase extraction strategy for pesticide multiresidue analysis in a chlorophyll-containing matrix by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Two-step dispersive-solid phase extraction strategy for the cleanup of QuEChERS extracts in multiresidue analysis of current-use pesticides in a chlorophyll-containing matrix was evaluated and is reported for the first time. The proposed approach combines two sequential steps of dispersive-solid phase extraction (d-SPE) to reduce matrix co-extractives. In the first step, primary secondary amine (PSA) together with a new type of sorbent, known as ChloroFiltr, was employed. This was followed by a second step of d-SPE using octadecyl (C18) and graphitized carbon black (GCB). Also, new zirconium dioxide-based sorbents (Z-Sep+ and Z-Sep/C18) were evaluated but the use of GCB/C18 provided the highest pesticide coverage with recoveries in the range of 70-120% from spiked green soybean samples. The final extracts were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). The overall recoveries at three spiking levels of 0.01, 0.05 and 0.2 mg kg(-1) were 96±15%, 93±13% and 92±13% with relative standard deviations of 10±7%, 9±5%, and 11±5%, respectively. The proposed method provided matrix effect <20% for 77% of the target compounds, which may be considered as negligible because such variability is closed to the accepted repeatability. For the rest of 8 and 15% of the compounds, the matrix effect was 20-30% and >30%, respectively. The developed method was successfully applied to study dissipation patterns of pesticides applied to soybean in experimental plot trials, thus contributing to establish safe and proper use of pesticides by extension of authorization on minor crops in Poland.

Persistent organochlorine pesticides in internal organs of coypu, Myocastor coypus.

A highly selective and sensitive method based on gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) to identify and quantify persistent organochlorine pesticides, (18 compounds including primary compounds and metabolites), in animal internal organs (kidneys, liver, and brain) has been developed. Tandem mass spectrometric conditions were individually optimized for each target compound in Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) mode to obtain maximum sensitivity. Prior to instrumental analysis, a sample preparation method based on matrix solid phase dispersion (MSPD) followed by acidic digestion with sulfuric acid to reduce matrix co-extractives was employed. Analyses of real samples were carried out on coypus (Myocastor coypus) from the autumn slaughter of 19 animals. In the analyzed samples, three of the target compounds, namely DDE-pp' (DDT metabolite), HCB and lindane, were detected. Their concentration levels fell in the ranges of 0.003-0.007, 0.003-0.025, and 0.003-0.021 mg kg(-1) (0.005, 0.010, and 0.010 mg kg(-1) on average) in the case of DDE-pp', HCB and lindane, respectively. Although low quantities of organochlorine pesticides do not pose an immediate danger to consumers' health, they should be of public health concern considering long-term, low-dose exposure.

Gas chromatographic determination of pesticide residues in white mustard.

A new analytical method employing gas chromatography coupled to electron capture and nitrogen phosphorus detection (GC-ECD/NPD) has been developed and validated for the screening and quantification of 51 pesticides in a matrix of high chlorophyll content - white mustard (Sinapis alba L.). For preparation of the sample extract, the citrate buffered QuEChERS procedure was followed. However certain changes were made to adapt the method to our needs and available laboratory resources. The sample size was reduced to 5 g, 10 mL water was added and exchange of solvent before GC analysis was done. The samples spiked with the target pesticides at the concentration level 0.01 mg/kg and a higher level (depending on the compound) yielded average recoveries in the range of 70-120% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) 0-19% except for HCB, S-metolachlor and teflubenzuron, and displayed very good linearity (R(2)>0.99) for nearly all the analytes. Limit of quantification was 0.01 mg/kg for the majority of the analytes. The expanded measurement uncertainties were estimated employing a "top-down" empirical model as being between 6% and 32% and yielding an average value of 18% (coverage factor k=2, confidence level 95%).

Determination of pesticide residues in samples of green minor crops by gas chromatography and ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry.

A method was developed for pesticide analysis in samples of high chlorophyll content belonging to the group of minor crops. A new type of sorbent, known as ChloroFiltr, was employed for dispersive-solid phase extraction cleanup (dispersive-SPE) to reduce the unwanted matrix background prior to concurrent analysis by gas chromatography and ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS and UPLC-MS/MS). Validation experiments were carried out on green, unripe plants of lupin, white mustard and sorghum. The overall recoveries at the three spiking levels of 0.01, 0.05 and 0.5 mg kg(-1) fell in the range between 68 and 120% (98% on average) and 72-104% (93% on average) with relative standard deviation (RSD) values between 2 and 19% (7% on average) and 3-16% (6% on average) by GC-MS/MS and UPLC-MS/MS technique, respectively. Because of strong enhancement or suppression matrix effects (absolute values >20%) which were exhibited by about 80% of the pesticide and matrix combinations, acceptably accurate quantification was achieved by using matrix-matched standards. Up to now, the proposed method has been successfully used to study the dissipation patterns of pesticides after application on lupin, white mustard, soya bean, sunflower and field bean in experimental plot trials conducted in Poland.

Validation and use of a QuEChERS-based gas chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometric method for multiresidue pesticide analysis in blackcurrants including studies of matrix effects and estimation of measurement uncertainty.

A triple quadrupole GC-QqQ-MS/MS method was optimized for multiresidue analysis of over 180 pesticides in blackcurrants. The samples were prepared by using a modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe (QuEChERS) analytical protocol. To reduce matrix co-extractives in the final extract, the supernatant was cleaned up by dispersive-solid phase extraction (dispersive-SPE) with a mixture of sorbents: primary secondary amine (PSA), octadecyl (C18) and graphitized carbon black (GCB). The validation results demonstrated fitness for purpose of the streamlined method. The overall recoveries at the three spiking levels of 0.01, 0.05 and 0.2 mg kg(-1) spanned between 70% and 116% (102% on average) with relative standard deviation (RSD) values between 3% and 19% except for chlorothalonil (23%). Response linearity was studied in the range between 0.005 and 0.5 mg kg(-1). The matrix effect for each individual compound was evaluated through the study of ratios of the slopes obtained in solvent and blackcurrant matrix. The optimized method provided small matrix effect (<10%) for 77% of the compounds, whereas only for 14%, 5% and 4% compounds, the matrix effect was 10-20%, 20-30% and >30%, respectively. Following the application of "top-down" approach, the expanded measurement uncertainty was estimated as being 21% on average (coverage factor k=2, confidence level 95%). If compared with samples of other crops, the analyses of blackcurrants revealed a high percentage of exceedance of the legislative maximum residue levels (MRLs), as well as some instances of the detection of pesticides unapproved on this crop.

Dissipation kinetics of fluquinconazole and pyrimethanil residues in apples intended for baby food production.

Dissipation behaviour of simultaneously applied fungicides fluquinconazole and pyrimethanil was studied in/on apples intended for baby food production (cultivars Jonagold Decosta, Golden and Champion). The apples were sprayed at two dosages to control the pathogen Venturia inaedequalis (Cooke) Aderh. A validated gas chromatographic method (GC-ECD and GC-NPD) was used to determine the fungicides residues, the analytical performance of which was highly satisfactory with expanded uncertainties not higher than 15% (coverage factor k=2, confidence level 95%) The dissipation of the fungicide residues was fitted to the experimental data assuming pseudo first-order decay kinetics (R(2) between 0.897 and 0.992). To obtain the fungicide residues below 0.01 mg/kg, which is the default maximum residue level for food intended for infants and young children, the application of the fungicides under study should be carried out 2 or 3 months before harvest at the lower (1.0 L/ha) and the higher (1.5 L/ha) recommended dose, respectively.

Pesticide residues determination in Polish organic crops in 2007-2010 applying gas chromatography-tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry.

A sensitive, accurate and reliable multiresidue method based on the application of gas chromatography-tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-QqQ-MS/MS) has been established for screening, identification and quantification of a large number of pesticide residues in produce. The method was accredited in compliance with PN-EN ISO/IEC 17025:2005 standard and it was operated under flexible scope as PB-11 method. The flexible scope of accreditation allowed for minor modifications and extension of the analytical scope while using the same analytical technique. During the years 2007-2010, the method was used for the purpose of verification of organic crop production by multiresidue analysis for the presence of pesticides. A total of 528 samples of differing matrices such as fruits, vegetables, cereals, plant leaves and other green parts were analysed, of which 4.4% samples contained pesticide residues above the threshold value of 0.01 mg/kg. A total of 20 different pesticide residues were determined in the samples.

Analysis of pesticide residues in fresh peppermint, Mentha piperita L., using the quick easy cheap effective rugged and safe method (QuEChERS) followed by gas chromatography with electron capture and nitrogen phosphorus detection.

A new analytical method for the determination of 14 pesticide residues in fresh peppermint was developed based on the QuEChERS sample preparation technique followed by gas chromatography coupled to electron capture and nitrogen phosphorus detectors (GC/ECD/NPD). The validation study clearly demonstrated suitability of the method for its intended application. The overall recoveries of the pesticides from peppermint, at the three spiking levels of 0.01, 0.1 and 1.0 mg kg(-1), were 100% ± 10% with relative standard deviations of 6% ± 5% on average. The limit of quantification was 0.01 mg kg(-1) for all the pesticides. The expanded uncertainties were in the range between 7% and 30% (14% on average), which was distinctively less than a maximum default value of ±50%. Compared with our previous method, that entailed dichloromethane/acetone extraction and florisil column cleanup with collection of four fractions, the new method was more straightforward, less time and labour intensive as well as more sensitive, selective and accurate, simultaneously.

Improvement and extension to new analytes of a multi-residue method for the determination of pesticides in cereals and dry animal feed using gas chromatography-tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry revisited.

This article describes a substantially improved multi-residue method for the determination of a large number of pesticides in cereal samples (wheat, rye, barley, oats, maze, buckwheat etc.) and various animal feeds. The sample preparation method and the GC-MS/MS acquisition method were modified to accommodate new complex cereal and feed matrices and to extend the existing analytical scope to 167 pesticides. The co-extractives were reduced by the joint use of primary secondary amine (PSA) and octadecyl (C18), 75 mg and 50 mg/1 mL of acetonitrile extract, in the presence of MgSO(4), and thus the optimal recovery and analytical selectivity were obtained simultaneously. The new cleanup procedure was faster and easier to handle than our previously applied cleanup procedure. The overall recoveries of the pesticides from buckwheat and rye at the three spiking levels of 0.01, 0.05 and 0.25 mg kg(-1) were 96 ± 9% with relative standard deviations of 10 ± 4% on average. At the lowest spiking level of 0.01 mg kg(-1), 137 of 167 pesticide residues (82%) fulfilled the validation criteria with recoveries in the range of 70-120% and RSDs less or equal 20% whereas in the previous approach it was 93 out of 140 analytes (66%). The developed method was implemented in a routine analysis of approximately 900 real samples, providing an increased scope of the analysis, improved analytical performance parameters and improved ruggedness versus the previous approach. A total of 17% analyzed samples contained pesticide residues. There were 24 different compounds encountered in the samples, of which pirimiphos-methyl, tebuconazole, deltamethrin, and chlorpyrifos-methyl were the most frequent ones.

Gas chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometric analysis of pesticides residues in produce using concurrent solvent recondensation-large volume injection.

In the present work, the feasibility of the combined use of concurrent solvent recondensation-large volume injection (CSR-LVI) and interspersed calibration for pesticide residue analysis was investigated. Splitless injections of 5-20 µL extracts containing 0.25-1g sample per mL(-1) were made into a Carbofrit packed liner and a 0.53 mm I.D., uncoated and deactivated retention gap. The determination was achieved by gas chromatography-tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-QqQ-MS/MS). The evaluation of the proposed approach was based on analysis of real samples representing a diverse range of commodities such as apples, barley malt, blackcurrants, carrots, clemetines, grapes, leek, plums, rapeseed (green plants) rucola, strawberries and tomatoes. The samples contained a total of 36 different incurred pesticides at different concentration levels. Also, analyses were carried out of artificial samples representing six differing matrices (apples, blackcurrants, carrots, huckleberry, strawberry and tomatoes) which were spiked with pesticides at known concentrations before proceeding with the extraction. When using 15 and 20 µL CSR-LVI injection, a decrease of about 30% in peak heights compared with injection of 5 µL was observed. In the case of 5 and 10 µL injections, no significant difference was observed when employing to the quantification of the incurred and spiked pesticide residues. In the evaluated experimental variants, overall recoveries of the pesticides were 92 ± 5% with relative standard deviations of 12 ± 4% on average. All individual recoveries were in the range between 72 and 103 with RSD between 4 and 21%. About 15% of the instrument run time was saved by the application of interspersed calibration with standards injected between sample extracts.

Development and validation of a routine multiresidue method for determining 140 pesticides in fruits and vegetables by gas chromatography/tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry.

A GC/tandem quadrupole MS/MS method was developed and validated for the determination of the residues of 140 pesticides in fruits and vegetables. Pesticides were extracted from samples by using a miniaturized acetonitrile-based extraction technique known as the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) method. Validation studies were carried out on carrots, tomatoes, and strawberries. In order to reduce systematic errors due to a matrix-induced effect, quantification was carried out using matrix-matched standard calibration curves. The recovery and precision results satisfied the European Union criteria (i.e., average recoveries were in the range 70-120% with RSDs < or = 20%) for 125 of the 140 pesticides at a spiking level of 0.01 mg/kg. At the higher spiking levels, there were just two instances of overall average recovery < 70% (chlorothalonil and captan). The measurement uncertainty was estimated following a "top down" approach as being 21 and 35%, on average, based on validation and ongoing recovery data, respectively (coverage factor k = 2, confidence level 95%). Practical application to 541 samples of apples, tomatoes, strawberries, cucumbers, currants, mushrooms, carrots, peppers, pears, onions, and gooseberries under strict QC conditions demonstrated the ruggedness of the total procedure.

Multiresidue determination of 160 pesticides in wines employing mixed-mode dispersive-solid phase extraction and gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

A new multiresidue method for the efficient screening, identification and quantification of over 160 pesticides belonging to different chemical classes in red, rose and white wines have been developed. The analysis was based on gas chromatographic-tandem quadrupole mass spectrometric determination (GC-QqQ-MS/MS). An optimization strategy involved the selection of buffering conditions and sorbents for dispersive-solid phase extraction (dispersive-SPE) in order to achieve acceptably high recoveries and reduce co-extractives in the final extracts. As a result, the optimized procedure allowed us to obtain consistent recoveries of the target pesticides including problematic ones such as captan, chlorothalonil, dichlofluanid, folpet and tolylfluanid. The attained recoveries were typically between 80 and 110% (89% on average) with RSD values typically lower than 10% (8% on average) at three spiking levels of 0.01, 0.05 and 0.2 mg kg(-1). Linearity was studied in the range between 0.005 and 0.2 mg kg(-1) using pesticide standards prepared both in pure solvent and in the presence of matrix, showing coefficients of determination (R(2)) higher than 0.99 for all the pesticides except for desmedipham, thiabendazole and thiamethoxam in pure solvent. The study of the ratio of the slopes obtained in solvent and in matrix provided information about the matrix effects, which was <10%, 10-20% and >20% for 33, 36 and 31% of the studied pesticides, respectively. To improve accuracy, matrix matched standards were always used for calculation of the quantification results. The expanded uncertainties were estimated by using a "top-down" approach as being 17% on average (coverage factor k=2, confidence level 95%). Finally, the method was used with success to detect and quantify pesticide residues in commercial wines.

Development and validation of a multi-residue method for the determination of pesticides in honeybees using acetonitrile-based extraction and gas chromatography-tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry.

An optimized analytical method employing gas chromatography-tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) has been developed for the simultaneous screening of roughly 150 pesticides in honeybees suspected of poisoning by pesticides during field spraying. In this work, a sample preparation approach based on acetonitrile extraction followed by dispersive solid-phase extraction (d-SPE) cleanup was implemented and validated for pesticides in honeybees for the first time. The procedure involved homogenization of a 2g sample (23 insects on average) with acetonitrile-water mixture followed by salting out with citrate buffer, magnesium sulphate and sodium chloride. An amount of matrix constituents with limited solubility in acetonitrile was reduced in the extract by precipitation at low-temperature (freezing-out cleanup). Hereafter, d-SPE cleanup was carried out using primary secondary amine (PSA), octadecyl (C18) and graphitized carbon black (GCB). This combination of cleanup steps ensured efficient extract purification. Linearity of the calibration curves was studied using matrix-matched standards in the concentration range between 4 and 500 ng mL(-1) (equivalent to 10 and 1250 ng g(-1)), and coefficients of determination (R(2)) were > or =0.99 for approximately 90% of the targeted compounds. The recovery data were obtained by spiking honeybees samples free of pesticides at three concentration levels of 10, 50, and 500 ng g(-1) (approximately 0.9, 4.3, 43.5 ng per bee). At these spiking levels 47, 77 and 92% of the targeted compounds were recovered, respectively. Generally the recoveries were in the range between 70 and 120% with precision values, expressed as relative standard deviation (RSD) < or =20%. The expanded uncertainty was estimated following a "top down" empirical model as being 28% on average (coverage factor k=2, confidence level 95%). Preliminary results from practical application to analysis of real samples are presented. A total of 25 samples of honeybees from suspected pesticides poisoning incidents were analyzed, in which 10 different pesticides were determined.

Application of gas chromatography/tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry to the multi-residue analysis of pesticides in green leafy vegetables.

A new, sensitive and specific method has been developed for the simultaneous determination of 129 pesticides in lettuce and other green leafy vegetables. The samples were extracted with acetonitrile and co-extractives such as fatty acids and pigments were removed using dispersive solid-phase extraction (dispersive-SPE) with primary secondary amine (PSA) and graphitized carbon black (GCB). All pesticides were analyzed in a single injection gas chromatography/tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC/MS/MS) acquisition method. Two multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) transitions of precursor ions fragmenting into product ions were recorded for the targeted pesticides, thus fulfilling the EU identification points system criteria for the identification of contaminants (2002/657/EC). Calibration curves were determined using matrix-matched standards, and exhibited excellent linearity at two orders of magnitude from 0.005 to 0.5 mg/kg for almost all the pesticides studied (R(2) > or = 0.99). The analytical performance was demonstrated by the analysis of lettuce samples spiked at five concentration levels ranging from 0.005 to 0.5 mg/kg for each pesticide. The recovery and repeatability results satisfied SANCO/2007/3131 criteria (i.e. average recoveries were in the range 70-120% with RSDs < or =20%) for 114 of the 129 pesticides at the 0.005 mg/kg spiking level, and for almost all pesticides at the higher spiking levels. The methodology was applied successfully to identify and quantify pesticide residues in leafy vegetable samples such as lettuce, cabbage and leek.

Development of a multi-residue method for the determination of pesticides in cereals and dry animal feed using gas chromatography-tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry II. Improvement and extension to new analytes.

This paper describes the extension and re-validation of a previously published multi-residue method to currently 140 pesticides and 4 pesticide degradation products in cereals and feedingstuffs. The pesticides were extracted using buffered QuEChERS ("quick, easy, cheap, rugged, effective and safe") method and then cleaned up using dispersive solid-phase extraction with Bondesil PSA and C18 sorbents, and optionally by a freezing-out clean-up step. The final extracts were analyzed in a single injection gas chromatographic-tandem quadrupole mass spectrometric (GC-MS/MS) acquisition method. A high degree of confidence was achieved by entering two multiple reaction monitoring transitions per compound. In this way, quantification of analytical results and unequivocal identification of pesticide residues in compliance with the recent European Union criteria could be done in a single analysis. Thorough optimization of the GC-MS/MS acquisition conditions and application of an effective clean-up procedure has resulted in a remarkable enhancement of the validation parameters. The linearity of the calibration curves was excellent in matrix-matched standards, and yielded the coefficients of determination (R(2))> or =0.99 for approximately 96% of the target analytes. Average recoveries of the pesticides spiked at 0.01mgkg(-1) into a feed mixture and wheat grain were in the range 70-120% with associated RSD values < or =20% for approximately 60% and 67% of the compounds, respectively. At the higher spiking levels of 0.05, 0.1 and 0.5mgkg(-1) average recoveries and RSDs readily met the validation criteria for nearly all the studied pesticides. Based on these results, the proposed approach has been proven to be highly efficient and suitable for routine determinations of multi-class pesticides in a range of cereal and related matrices. Up to now, 145 samples of matrices of differing complexity including cereals grain, bran, whole ears, straw, hay, feed mixtures and other samples such as malt, starch and dry vegetables have been analyzed. A total of 15 different pesticides have been detected, among which pirimiphos methyl (19 cases), deltamethrin (14 cases), tolylfluanid (5 cases), dichlofluanid (5 cases), and tebuconazole (4 cases) were the most frequently encountered ones.

Development of a multi-residue screening method for the determination of pesticides in cereals and dry animal feed using gas chromatography-triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry.

A multi-residue screening method for simultaneous analysis of 122 gas chromatography amenable pesticides in dry matrices such as cereal grain and certain feedingstuffs was developed. The method entails a simple extraction of re-hydrated sample with acetonitrile followed by a dispersive solid phase extraction (dispersive-SPE) clean-up step prior to the final determination by gas chromatography/triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). Due to complexity of analyzed matrices, two MS/MS transitions were set for each pesticide to eliminate the need for re-analysis of potentially positive samples, and provide unequivocal identification of detected pesticides in accordance with recent guidelines, in a single analytical run. Thus, in the developed GC-MS/MS acquisition method, a total of 216 different multiple reactions monitoring (MRM) transitions were monitored in one set of experimental conditions. To evaluate performance of the method, validation experiments were carried out on wheat grain at three spiking levels (0.01, 0.02 and 0.05 mg kg(-1)). Additional recovery tests at 0.05 mg kg(-1) were carried out on several other matrices. The recoveries ranged between 73 and 129% with associated relative standard deviations between 1 and 29% for the majority of pesticides. Limits of detection were less or equal to 0.01 mg kg(-1) for approximately 68% of pesticides. The applicability of the proposed method to detect and quantify pesticide residues has been demonstrated in the analysis of 136 real samples. Additionally, the method was favorably compared with an acetone extraction method (accepted as a reference method by some of European and U.S. authorities) in the analysis of real samples known to contain pesticide residues.

Fast and sensitive determination of pesticide residues in vegetables using low-pressure gas chromatography with a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer.

In this study, the feasibility of low-pressure gas chromatography (LP-GC) in conjunction with a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer, as a route towards fast pesticide residue analysis, was investigated. A Varian GC-MS system equipped with a mass spectrometer model 1200 was used. LP-GC-MS experiments were performed on a HP-5 10 m x 0.32 mm x 0.25 microm analytical column connected to a 2.5 m x 0.15 mm non-coated restriction precolumn at the inlet end. For comparison purposes conventional GC-MS analysis was performed on a RTX-5 30 m x 0.25 mm x 0.5 microm column. Under the optimized conditions the analysis time was reduced to 13.3 min with the LP-GC approach which corresponds to an almost threefold gain in speed versus the conventional GC (37 min). Despite the poorer separation power of the LP-GC column, the experiments conducted with tomato and onion extracts spiked with 78 pesticides proved that LP-GC-MS is of practical value to perform full scan screening analysis. Moreover, the rate of false negative results was higher in the case of conventional GC-MS while the LP-GC-MS enabled correct identification of pesticides at lower levels since the peaks were improved in both size and shape. Validation experiments were performed on a sample of 12 representative pesticides for comparison of performance characteristics of the LP-GC and GC approaches with mass spectrometer operated in scan, SIM and MS/MS mode. The LP-GC column set-up interfaced to the MS detector was found to be superior to the conventional GC with respect to obtained linearity, accuracy and precision parameters. Also, lower limits of detection in real extracts were achieved using the LP-GC approach. Finally, the LP-GC-MS/MS analysis of tomato samples with incurred pesticide residues demonstrated the applicability of the developed method for analysis of real samples.