Simultaneous determination of 405 pesticide residues in grain by accelerated solvent extraction then gas chromatography-mass spectrometry or liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Group-specific fragmentation of pesticides and related compounds in liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Current strategies in the LC-MS analysis of pesticides and related compounds in environmental samples, fruits and vegetables, and biological samples mostly rely on the selection of appropriate precursor/product-ion combinations (transitions) for selected reaction monitoring (SRM), often based on automated parameter optimization and selection of the transition. Such a procedure does not require any information on the type of fragmentation reaction involved in the generation of the product ion from the selected precursor ion. However, such information does become important in untargeted screening for unknown contaminants in environmental and food samples, which are generally based on a combination of high-resolution mass spectrometry and (multistage) tandem mass spectrometry. With this in mind, the group-specific fragmentation behaviour has been studied for six classes of pesticides and herbicides, i.e., triazines, organophosphorous pesticides, phenylurea herbicides, carbamates, sulfonylurea herbicides, and chlorinated phenoxy acid herbicides. When relevant, some comparison was made between fragmentation of protonated molecules in MS-MS and of molecular ions generated by electron ionization in GC-MS.

Development of an analytical procedure for the determination of emerging and priority organic pollutants in leafy vegetables by pressurized solvent extraction followed by GC-MS determination

A new multiresidue method for the determination of 13 emerging and priority pollutants in lettuce, including pesticides, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and phenolic estrogens, has been developed using matrix solid-phase dispersion combined to pressurized fluid extraction (PFE) followed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry determination. A sequential optimization strategy based on solvent optimization first, followed by experimental design, was performed in order to maximize target analyte extraction with the aid of response surface methodology. Firstly, a full factorial design was applied to choose the significant variables in PFE; extraction time and temperature were found to have the biggest overall effect on response for most of analytes. They were later optimized performing a central composite design and the variable response of these factors was modeled for all analytes. It was found that marked differences in physicochemical nature exerted a strong influence on extraction conditions and yield. Therefore, the effect of parameters on the response was rather different for some compounds. To overcome this conflicting behavior, a multiple response simultaneous optimization was applied using the desirability function to achieve global optimal operating conditions. The optimal conditions were attained at 13.5 min (two extraction cycles) and 104 degrees C in the PFE by using hexane acetone mixture (1:1). Limit of detection and limit of quantitation values were found to be between 6.6 and 58 and 7.6 and 61.7 microg kg(-1), respectively.

Simultaneous extraction and cleanup method based on pressurized solvent extraction for multiresidue analysis of pesticides in complex feed samples

The development of a multiresidue method based on pressurized solvent extraction (PSE) to determine a large number of pesticides (mostly pyrethroids and organochlorines) in cattle feed is described. As far as we know, this is the first work dedicated to the PSE of many of the target pesticides from animal feed. A mixed level fraction design was performed to investigate the influence of several operational variables on the PSE procedure; integrated cleanup strategies were also assessed allowing the direct chromatographic analysis of the extracts. Method accuracy was evaluated by the analysis of a certified reference material (BCR-115) and different fortified cattle feed samples. Most analytes were recovered in the range of 70-110%, with relative standard deviations generally lower than 15%. Limits of detection (LODs) were below the maximum residue levels (MRLs) set by the European Union for animal feed and main crops used in the preparation of feedingstuffs. The applicability of the proposed method was demonstrated by the analysis of real cattle feed samples collected from 23 dairy farms located in Galicia (NW Spain).

Fragmentation of a non-ester pyrethroid insecticide by atmospheric pressure chemical ionization

We elucidated the mechanism of fragmentation of ethophenprox (Mw = 376), a non-ester pyrethroid insecticide, in the presence of a proton, by using tandem mass spectrometry in combination with an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization technique in positive-ion mode. When methanol or acetonitrile was used as a solvent, no protonated ethophenprox ion was observed in the mass spectra even at low cone voltage (10 V), at which solvent cluster ions can exist. Instead of the protonated ion, an unexpected m/z 359 ion was strongly observed under all conditions examined. The product ion spectrum of the m/z 359 ion obtained under low collision energy (20 eV) showed that this ion can be formed through structural rearrangement involving water loss mainly via the six-centered pathway in this system, although two pathways (five-centered and six-centered) to form the m/z 359 ion are suggested in the literature.

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.

Fast multiresidue screening of 300 pesticides in water for human consumption by LC-MS/MS

The study tested the determination of 300 pesticides in mineral water at levels of 0.1 and 1.0 microg/L. Measurements were conducted by direct sample injection into a liquid chromatograph coupled to a tandem mass spectrometer without any sample enrichment and/or cleanup. Two separate injections enabled the recording of two transitions per analyte (600 selected reaction monitoring transitions in total). For 285 analytes the sensitivity of direct sample injection (100 microL) was sufficient to quantify residues at 0.1 microg/L. All remaining pesticides were detected at 1.0 microg/L. Calibration functions were linear for more than 80% of analytes. Signal suppression or enhancement compared with signals in high-performance liquid chromatography water was equal to or smaller than 20% for 240 analytes. Even the largest matrix-induced suppression did not result in the disappearance of peaks. Combining the results of seven mineral waters, the relative standard deviation of "recovery" was 20% or less for 87% of the substances. A second transition for confirmatory purposes was often available. Consequently, the proposed direct injection of samples without any sample enrichment and/or cleanup is suitable for screening of many pesticides in mineral and drinking water.

Priority pesticides and their degradation products in river sediments from Portugal

A multiresidue gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method was developed to determine 28 priority pesticides of different chemical families (organochlorine, organophosphorus, triazines, anilides) together with some of their transformation products in river sediment. Ultrasonic, Soxhlet and pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) methods were compared in spiking experiments using acetone:hexane (1:1) followed by alumina solid phase extraction cartridges or in-cell alumina clean-up for PLE. All extraction techniques produced acceptable recoveries for the pesticides under study, although Soxhlet extraction produced the lowest recoveries for 2,4-DDE, trifluralin, lindane, and hexachlorobenzene (<50%) whereas ultrasonic extraction resulted in low recoveries for hexachlorobenzene and lindane (<50%). However, PLE using in-cell alumina clean-up produced an overestimation of more apolar compounds, given the amount of coextracted compounds. Limits of detection at the low microg L(-1)-ng L(-1) levels were obtained with Soxhlet and ultrasonic extraction, while PLE produced higher variability due to the lack of exhaustive clean-up. Given the simplicity of ultrasonic extraction, this method was further employed to determine target compounds in river sediments collected in Portugal. Lindane was detected in practically all samples, followed by trace levels of the pesticides simazine, diazinon, fenitrothion, and parathion-methyl.

Determination of 10 particle-associated multiclass polar and semi-polar pesticides from small streams using accelerated solvent extraction

A new analytical method using accelerated solvent extraction was developed for the determination of 10 particle-associated polar and semipolar pesticides. In addition, six deuterated analogues of the target compounds were evaluated as internal standards. The method yielded acceptable accuracy (73-103% recovery) and precision (<25% relative standard deviation) for eight compounds. Using size exclusion chromatography (SEC) as cleanup step resulted in higher recoveries compared to solid phase extraction (SPE) cleanup. Deuterated standards with 10 or more deuterium atoms performed well as internal standards concerning similar recovery and correlation with the target analytes. The method was employed to extract particle-associated pesticides from 16 streams located in an area with intense agriculture in France. Acetochlor, pirimicarb, tebuconazole, fenpropidin, alpha-endosulfan and chlorfenvinphos were detected at concentrations up to 1 mg kg(-1) dry weight. A comparison with aquatic toxicity data indicated potential risk to the benthic fauna exposed to these concentrations of pirimicarb, alpha-endosulfan and chlorfenvinphos. We suggest that the method presented here be used for the extraction and quantitation of particle-associated polar pesticides.

Modification and re-validation of the ethyl acetate-based multi-residue method for pesticides in produce

The ethyl acetate-based multi-residue method for determination of pesticide residues in produce has been modified for gas chromatographic (GC) analysis by implementation of dispersive solid-phase extraction (using primary-secondary amine and graphitized carbon black) and large-volume (20 muL) injection. The same extract, before clean-up and after a change of solvent, was also analyzed by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS). All aspects related to sample preparation were re-assessed with regard to ease and speed of the analysis. The principle of the extraction procedure (solvent, salt) was not changed, to avoid the possibility invalidating data acquired over past decades. The modifications were made with techniques currently commonly applied in routine laboratories, GC-MS and LC-MS-MS, in mind. The modified method enables processing (from homogenization until final extracts for both GC and LC) of 30 samples per eight hours per person. Limits of quantification (LOQs) of 0.01 mg kg(-1) were achieved with both GC-MS (full-scan acquisition, 10 mg matrix equivalent injected) and LC-MS-MS (2 mg injected) for most of the pesticides. Validation data for 341 pesticides and degradation products are presented. A compilation of analytical quality-control data for pesticides routinely analyzed by GC-MS (135 compounds) and LC-MS-MS (136 compounds) in over 100 different matrices, obtained over a period of 15 months, are also presented and discussed. At the 0.05 mg kg(-1) level acceptable recoveries were obtained for 93% (GC-MS) and 92% (LC-MS-MS) of pesticide-matrix combinations.

Capillary gas chromatographic determination of dimethachlon residues in fresh tobacco leaves and cut-tobacco

Simple procedures for extraction and chromatographic determination of dimethachlon residues in fresh tobacco leaves and cut-tobacco are described. The determination was carried out by capillary gas chromatography (GC) with electron capture detection (ECD) and confirmed by GC-MS. The mean recoveries and relative standard deviation (RSD) were 93.2%~112.9% and 3.5%~6.7%, respectively at levels ranging from 0.01 to 0.1 mg/kg. The limit of determination was 0.001 mg/kg. Tobacco samples in routine check were successfully analyzed using the proposed method.

Determination of triadimenol based on the quenching effect on resonance light scattering from the triadimenol–deoxyribonucleic acid–hydrochloric acid system

Analysis of triadimenol was carried out using deoxyribonucleic acids (DNA) via the resonance light scattering (RLS) technique. After adding triadimenol into aqueous medium of pH 1.72, the RLS of DNA was remarkably quenched. A resonance light scattering peak at 310 nm was found, and the quenched intensity of RLS at this wavelength was proportional to the concentration of triadimenol. The linear range of the calibration curve was approximately 0-3 microg mL-1 with a detection limit (S/N=3) of 0.07 microg mL-1. The triadimenol in samples of water, cucumber and human serum was determined. The results were satisfactory, and the recovery rates were in the range of 96.3-106.0%, 94.8-105.9% and 92.3-100.5%, respectively. The interaction mechanism was also studied.

Determination of azoxystrobin residues in grapes, musts and wines with a multicommuted flow-through optosensor implemented with photochemically induced fluorescence

In this paper, the conversion of azoxystrobin in a strongly fluorescent degradation product by UV irradiation with quantitative purposes and its fluorimetric determination are reported for the first time. A multicommuted flow injection-solid phase spectroscopy (FI-SPS) system combined with photochemically-induced fluorescence (PIF) is developed for the determination of azoxystrobin in grapes, must and wine. Grape samples were homogenized and extracted with methanol and further cleaned-up by solid-phase extraction on C(18) silica gel. Wine samples were solid-phase extracted on C(18) sorbent using dichloromethane as eluent. Recoveries of azoxystrobin from spiked grapes (0.5-2.0 mg Kg(-1)), must (0.5-2.0 microg mL(-1)) and wine (0.5-2.0 microg mL(-1)) were 84.0-87.6%, 95.5-105.9% and 88.5-111.2%, respectively. The quantification limit for grapes was 0.021 mg Kg(-1), being within European Union regulations, and 18 microg L(-1) and 8 microg L(-1) for must and wine, respectively.

Current literature in mass spectrometry

In order to keep subscribers up‐to‐date with the latest developments in their field, John Wiley & Sons are providing a current awareness service in each issue of the journal. The bibliography contains newly published material in the field of mass spectrometry. Each bibliography is divided into 11 sections: 1 Books, Reviews & Symposia; 2 Instrumental Techniques & Methods; 3 Gas Phase Ion Chemistry; 4 Biology/Biochemistry: Amino Acids, Peptides & Proteins; Carbohydrates; Lipids; Nucleic Acids; 5 Pharmacology/Toxicology; 6 Natural Products; 7 Analysis of Organic Compounds; 8 Analysis of Inorganics/Organometallics; 9 Surface Analysis; 10 Environmental Analysis; 11 Elemental Analysis. Within each section, articles are listed in alphabetical order with respect to author (6 Weeks journals ‐ Search completed at 4th. Oct. 2006)

Multi-residue method for the determination of 450 pesticide residues in honey, fruit juice and wine by double-cartridge solid-phase extraction/gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

A multi-residue method was developed for the determination of 450 pesticide residues in honey, fruit juice and wine using double-cartridge solid-phase extraction (SPE), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS). The method development was based on an appraisal of the characteristics of GC-MS and LC-MS-MS for 654 pesticides as well as the efficiency of extraction and purification from honey, fruit juice and wine. Samples were first diluted with water plus acetone, then extracted with portions of dichloromethane. The extracts were concentrated and cleaned up with graphitized carbon black and aminopropyl cartridges stacked in tandem. Pesticides were eluted with acetonitrile + toluene, and the eluates were concentrated. For 383 pesticides, the eluate was extracted with hexane twice and internal standard solution was added prior to GC-MS determination. For 67 pesticides, extraction was with methanol prior to LC-MS-MS determination. The limit of detection for the method was between 1.0 and 300 ng g(-1) depending on each pesticide analyte. At the three fortification levels of 2.0-3000 ng g(-1), the average recovery rates were between 59 and 123%, among which 413 pesticides (92% of the 450) had recovery rates of 70-120% and 35 pesticides (8% of the 450) had recovery rates of 59-70%. There were 437 pesticides (97% of the 450) with a relative standard deviation below 25%; there were 13 varieties (3% of the 450) between 25.0 and 30.4%.