Analysis of pesticide residues in fruit and vegetables by matrix solid phase dispersion (MSPD) and different gas chromatography element-selective detectors

A Modified QuEChERS Extraction and LC-MS/MS Method for the Determination of Pesticide Residues in Curry Leaves (Murraya koenigii)

Background:

Increased consumer demand for curry leaves free from pesticides demands fast and reliable analytical methods for the analysis of pesticide residues.

Objective:

The optimization of a QuEChERS based sample preparation technique with improved analytical accuracy by removing interfering matrix components for LC-MS/MS analysis of pesticide residues from curry leaves.

Methods:

A modified QuEChERS solid phase extraction method was developed and validated for the analysis of 26 pesticides in fresh and dried curry leaves. The effects of the sample preparation steps and column retention time on the matrix suppression of analyte ions were also evaluated.

Results:

Validation parameters were found within an acceptable range. The matrix effect evaluation studies showed that the QuEChERS sample preparation was able to minimize the ion suppression of analytes due to co-eluting matrix of components and that a d-SPE clean up step had major role in reducing matrix effect. The gradient mobile phase with longer retention time for analytes resulted in comparatively lesser matrix effects than the isocratic mobile phase of non-polar nature. Even after the clean up, a considerable number of compounds had more than 20% reduction in their MS response in the gradient mobile phase.

Conclusion:

This study emphasized the need of proper sample clean up before a LC-MS/MS analysis and the usage of matrix matched standards and mobile phase that ultimately results in an appropriate analyte separation in reasonable retention times.

Solid-phase microextraction for determining twelve orange flavour compounds in a model beverage emulsion

Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled to gas chromatography has been applied for the headspace analysis (HS) of 12 target flavour compounds in a model orange beverage emulsion. The main volatile flavour compounds studied were: acetaldehyde, ethyl acetate, alpha-pinene, ethyl butyrate, beta-pinene, myrcene, limonene, gamma-terpinene, octanal, decanal, linalool and citral (neral plus geranial). After screening the fibre type, the effect of other HS-SPME variables such as adsorption temperature (25-55 degrees C), extraction time (10-40 min), sample concentration (1-100% w/w), sample amount (5-10 g) and salt amount (0-30% w/w) were determined using a two-level fractional factorial design (2(5-2)) that was expanded further to a central composite design. It was found that an extraction process using a carboxen-polydimethylsiloxane fibre coating at 15 masculineC for 50 min with 5 g of diluted emulsion 1% (w/w) and 30% (w/w) of sodium chloride under stirring mode resulted in the highest HS extraction efficiency. For all volatile flavour compounds, the linearity values were accurate in the concentration ranges studied (r(2) > 0.97). Average recoveries that ranged from 90.3 to 124.8% showed a good accuracy for the optimised method. The relative standard deviation for six replicates of all volatile flavour compounds was found to be less than 15%. For all volatile flavour compounds, the limit of detection ranged from 0.20 to 1.69 mg/L.

Simplified multiresidue method for determination of pesticide residues in lettuce by gas chromatography with nitrogen-phosphorus detection

A rapid and simple method has been developed for simultaneous determination of different classes of pesticide in different varieties of lettuce (Lactuca sativum). Lettuce samples were extracted by homogenization with acetone and partitioned into ethyl acetate-cyclohexane. Subsequent sample clean-up was not needed. Pesticide residues were determined by capillary gas chromatography with nitrogen-phosphorus detection (NPD). Confirmatory analysis of the pesticides was performed by capillary gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry in selected-ion-monitoring (SIM) mode. Recovery at two levels of fortification (ca. 0.05 and 0.20 mg kg(-1)) ranged from 63.9 to 118.6%, and relative standard deviations were below 9.5%. The proposed method was used to determine pesticide levels in different types of lettuce grown in soil from experimental fields.

Matrix solid-phase dispersion as a valuable tool for extracting contaminants from foodstuffs

This review updates our knowledge on matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD), a sample treatment procedure that is increasingly used for extracting/purifying contaminants from a variety of solid, semi-solid, viscous, and liquid foodstuffs. MSPD is primarily used because of its flexibility, selectivity, and the possibility of performing extraction and cleanup in one step, this resulting in drastically shortening of the analysis time and low consumption of toxic and expensive solvents. Technical developments and parameters influencing the extraction yield and selectivity are examined and discussed. Experimental results for the analysis of pesticides, veterinary drugs, persistent environmental chemicals, naturally occurring toxicants, and surfactants in food are reviewed.

Response surface optimization for determination of pesticide multiresidues by matrix solid-phase dispersion and gas chromatography

An optimized multiresidue analysis method based on matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) and gas chromatography (GC) is proposed for the determination of organochlorines and pyrethroids in the tea samples. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the extraction conditions of MSPD, such as the sorbent type, eluent composition, dichloromethane concentration and eluting volume. Desirability function approach was employed to optimize the pesticide recoveries and matrix cleanup. Compromising the recoveries and cleanup degree, MSPD was carried out with Florisil as the sorbent and n-hexane-dichloromethane (1:1, v/v) as the eluent. The pesticide recoveries in tea samples were better than 80% spiked in the concentration range of 0.01-0.05mg/kg and the relative standard deviations were lower than 7%. The quantification limits of the pesticides were in the range of 0.002-0.06mg/kg, which were lower than the maximum residue limits of the pesticides in tea samples established by the European Union.

Multiresidue screening methods for the determination of pesticides in tomatoes

The possibility of applying thin layer chromatography (TLC) detection for the analysis of pesticide residues in tomatoes was investigated. Samples of tomatoes that have never been treated with pesticide were fortified with atrazine, carbaryl, carbofuran, chloroxuron, diuron, dimethoate, imazalil, oxamyl and methamidophos. The samples were extracted, cleaned-up by gel permeation chromatography and then applied on silica gel plates. The pesticides were eluted with ethyl acetate and dichloromethane. Two eluting solvent systems were tested, one using the reagents o-toluidine + potassium iodite (o-TKI) and the other p- nitrobenzene fluoroborate (NBFB). After the development of the plates, the diameter of the spots was measured. The lowest minimum detection quantity (MDQ) for o-TKI system for atrazine was 12 ng. The highest was 125 ng for carbofuran. Using NBFB system, the lowest MDQ was 60 ng for carbaryl and the highest was 70 ng obtained for carbofuran. Considering the concentration of these pesticides in the spiked tomato samples, the minimum concentration was 1.1 ng/microL and 32.3 ng/microL for atrazine and carbofuran, respectively, by using o-TKI system. For NBFB system the minimum concentration reached was 3.5 ng/microL and 4.3 ng/microL for carbaryl and carbofuran, respectively. This study showed that TLC can be used for semi-quantitative analysis.

Determination of endosulfan isomers and endosulfan sulfate in tomato juice by matrix solid-phase dispersion and gas chromatography

A rapid method based on matrix solid-phase dispersion was developed for the determination of endosulfan isomers and endosulfan sulfate in commercial tomato juice. After the optimisation of different parameters such as the type of adsorbent, the extraction solvent, and the extraction assistance by sonication, the recoveries obtained ranged from 81 to 100% with relative standard deviations equal to or lower than 10%. The analysis of samples was accomplished using gas chromatography with electron-capture detection and the identity of endosulfan residues was confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with selected ion monitoring. The detection limit for these compounds, calculated as three times the background noise, was 1 microg/kg. The proposed method was applied to the analysis of these compounds in commercial juice samples and levels of endosulfan between 1 and 5 microg/kg were detected in some samples.

Application of matrix solid-phase dispersion to the determination of a new generation of fungicides in fruits and vegetables

A method based on matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) and gas chromatography to determine eight fungicides in fruits and vegetables is described. Fungicide residues were identified and quantified using nitrogen-phosphorus detection and electron-capture detection connected in parallel and confirmed by mass spectrometric detection. The method required 0.5 g of sample, C18 bonded silica as dispersant sorbent, silica as clean-up sorbent and ethyl acetate as eluting solvent. Recoveries from spiked orange, apple, tomato, artichoke, carrot and courgette samples ranged from 62 to 102% and relative standard deviations were less than 15% in the concentration range 0.05-10 mg kg(-1). Detection and quantitation limits ranged 3-30 microg kg(-1) and 10-100 microg kg(-1), respectively, with linear calibration curves up to 10 mg kg(-1). The analytical characteristics of MSPD compared very favourably with the results of a classical multiresidue method, which uses ethyl acetate and anhydrous sodium sulphate for the extraction.

Miniaturized automated matrix solid-phase dispersion extraction of pesticides in fruit followed by gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis

In this study a simple and fast miniaturized automated matrix solid-phase dispersion method for the sample preparation and quantitative extraction of pesticides was developed and evaluated. Only 25 mg of sample and 100 microl of organic solvent were used per analysis for this new miniaturized set-up. The extracts were subsequently analysed by GC-MS without any further purification. The method was optimized for oranges and tested for the determination of a variety of organophosphorus pesticides and a pyrethroid at concentration levels below the maximum residue levels set by the European Union and authorities in The Netherlands. The limits of detection were 4-90 microg/kg. The recoveries for pesticides in orange were 83-118% and the relative standard deviations for the total procedure were 10-13% (n=4) at the limit of quantification. The feasibility of the developed method for apple, pear and grapes was also studied. Equally good results were obtained, but for apple the washing step should be omitted.

Rapid determination of fungicides in fruit juices by micellar electrokinetic chromatography: use of organic modifiers to enhance selectivity and on-column high-salt stacking to improve sensitivity

A rapid, reliable method for the multiresidue analysis of eight commonly used fungicides by micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) was developed. Excellent separation of the eight fungicides (carbendazim, metalaxyl, captan, procymidone, folpet, captafol, vinclozolin and iprodione) is achieved within about 10 min by using optimized electrophoretic conditions that include the addition of a mixture of organic modifiers to the running buffer for improved resolution. The sensitivity of the method is enhanced by using an enrichment step that involves on-column high-salt stacking. Limits of detection in the microgram-per-liter region and relative standard deviations from 2.1 to 5.9% are thus obtained for the fungicides without detracting from peak resolution. These results reveal that the high-salt stacking method provides highly improved sensitivity and enables highly flexible adjustment of the selectivity of the separation method. Also, the method surpasses other stacking alternatives used in MEKC and affords routine analyses of fruit juice containing fungicides at trace levels following a straightforward sample treatment. The robustness of the high-salt stacking method as demonstrated in this work makes MEKC methods involving stacking procedures an attractive choice for routine analyses.

Matrix solid-phase dispersion

Matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) is a patented process, first reported in 1989, for conducting simultaneous disruption and extraction of solid and semi-solid samples. MSPD permits complete fractionation of the sample matrix components as well as the ability to selectively elute a single compound or several classes of compounds from the same sample. The method has been applied to the isolation of drugs in food animal tissues but has also found wide application in the analysis of herbicides, pesticides and pollutants from animal tissues, fruits, vegetables and other matrices. The present article provides a review of MSPD applications in these and related fields and discusses the factors known to affect MSPD methods. Both the practical and theoretical aspects of MSPD are also presented.

Effect of a pilot washing system on dicofol levels in orange matrix

An efficient analytical method is described for the analysis of dicofol residues in pulp and orange peel. Samples are mixed with Celite and transferred to chromatographic columns prepacked with silica gel. Dicofol is eluted with ethyl acetate, and the extracts are analyzed by gas chromatography with electron capture detection. Mean recoveries for dicofol at levels of 0.5, 2.0, 5.0, and 10 mg/kg ranged from 87 to 95% with relative standard deviation values between 2.6 and 9.0%. To investigate the effect of a pilot washing system on dicofol residues in oranges, the analytical procedure was applied to samples submitted to different treatments with commercial formulations under field and laboratory conditions. The orange samples with and without washing were analyzed in duplicate, and the results indicated that washing under the described conditions did not allow a complete removal of dicofol residues from orange peel.

Applications of matrix solid-phase dispersion in food analysis

Matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD), a patented process for the simultaneous disruption and extraction of solid and semi-solid samples, was first reported in 1989. Since that time, MSPD has found application in numerous fields, but has proven to be particularly applicable for the analysis of drugs, pollutants, pesticides and other components in foods. The present article provides a review of these and related applications and discusses both the practical and theoretical aspects for the use of MSPD in sample processing.

Comparison of octadecylsilica and graphitized carbon black as materials for solid-phase extraction of fungicide and insecticide residues from fruit and vegetables

Methods for the determination of thirteen fungicide and insecticide residues by solid-phase extraction with C18 and graphitized carbon black (GCB) were evaluated. The extraction of the residues was achieved by using matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) and more conventional polar solvent extraction followed by liquid-solid phase partitioning. Determination was carried out by capillary gas chromatography with electron-capture and mass spectrometry detectors. The recoveries were determined by fortifying six different crops (apples, oranges, pears, tomatoes, lettuces and paprikas) with the pesticides studied (bromopropylate, chlorpyrifos methyl, cypermethryn, deltamethryn, fenarimol, fenvalerate, imazalil, lindane, permethryn, phentoate, procymidone, propiconazole and vinclozoline). Although, the data showed that the two extraction methods and both sorbents were able to isolate the pesticide residues from fruit and vegetables, the best results were obtained using MSPD with C18 which gave recoveries ranging from 70 to 105% and practical detection limits between 5.0 and 50.0 micrograms/kg for all the compounds. Ten of these pesticides have been detected in samples taken from Valencia markets, at levels of 0.02-20.50 mg/kg using the described methodology.

Optimization of a matrix solid-phase dispersion method for the analysis of pesticide residues in vegetables

A multiresidue method based on matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) is studied to determine chlorfenvinfos, chlorpyrifos, fenarimol, iprodione, procimydone, propiconazole, tetradifon, triadimefon and vinclozolin in artichokes, green beans, lettuces and tomatoes. Alumina, silica and Florisil were assessed as extracting phases, and the extracts from Florisil were the cleanest. To facilitate manual extraction, sand was added to the sample together with the dispersing phase. Three eluting systems were then studied, and dichloromethane proved to be the best. Further purification can be performed using solid-phase cleanup after diluting extracts with aqueous solutions. Octyl- and octadecyl-silica, modifications of the aqueous diluted extracts and several eluting solvents were studied. Determination was done by capillary gas chromatography (GC) with electron-capture detection, and confirmed by GC-MS using the electron impact mode and the selected ion monitoring. The proposed MSPD method was used to analyze 48 samples taken in the course of a year. Procymidone, vinclozolin, chlorpyrifos and chlorfenvinfos were identified in 10 samples at levels below the maximum residue levels allowed by the Spanish Government.

Determination of pesticide residues in fruit and vegetables

A review concerning the determination of pesticide residues in fruit and vegetables is presented. The basic principles and recent developments in the extraction and quantitation of pesticides are discussed. Consideration is given to solid phase and supercritical extraction techniques, automation and robotic systems, and immunoassay procedures.