Validation of a headspace solid-phase microextraction procedure with gas chromatography-electron capture detection of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables

Clean-up Strategy for Dithiocarbamate Fungicide Determination in Soybean by GC-ITD-MS and GC-PFPD: Method Development and Validation

Food matrices consist of many components with different physical and chemical properties that may influence instrumental robustness. The soybean contains fatty coextractives which may have a deleterious effect on the gas chromatography (GC) system. In this study, the efficiencies of PSA, C18OH, C18, silica, aluminum oxide, and Florisil, as dSPE clean-up sorbents, were evaluated by the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) diode-array detector and evaporative light-scattering detector analysis. The dithiocarbamates in soybean samples are determined as CS2 using acidic hydrolysis and isooctane partitioning, followed by GC-PFPD and GC-ITD-MS analyses. The linearity of the analytical curves, the instrument limit of detection matrix effects, the trueness and precision, and the method limit of quantification (LOQ) were assessed in the validation study. Milled soybean was spiked with thiram solution at three concentration levels (corresponding to 0.05, 0.1, and 0.5 mg CS2 kg-1) for recovery determination. Silica appeared to be an effective and cheap sorbent to remove coextracted matrix components without causing any CS2 losses. Recoveries were in the range of 68-91%, with relative standard deviations ≤ 8.7%. The method LOQ was 0.05 mg CS2 kg-1, and both GC-ITD-MS and GC-PFPD systems appeared to be appropriate and complementary to determine dithiocarbamate residues in soybean extracts.

Review: Microextraction Technique Based New Trends in Food Analysis

Food chemistry is the study and classification of the quality and origin of foods. The identification of definite biomarkers and the determination of residue contaminants such as toxins, pesticides, metals, human and veterinary drugs, which are a very common source of food-borne diseases. The food analysis is continuously demanding the improvement of more robust, sensitive, highly efficient, and economically beneficial analytical approaches to promise the traceability, safety, and quality of foods in the acquiescence with the consumers and legislation demands. The traditional methods have been used at the starting of the 20th century based on wet chemical methods. Now it existing the powerful analytical techniques used in food analysis and safety. This development has led to substantial enhancements in the analytical accuracy, precision, sensitivity, selectivity, thereby mounting the applied range of food applications. In the present decade, microextraction (micro-scale extraction) pays more attention due to its futures such as low consumption of solvent and sample, throughput analysis easy to operate, greener, robotics, and miniaturization, different adsorbents have been used in the microextraction process with unique nature recognized with wide range applications.

Validation and expanded uncertainty determination of pesticides in water; and their survey on paddy rice irrigation water from Argentina

A solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method was validated for the simultaneous determination of penconazole, cyproconazole, epoxiconazole, deltamethrin, azoxystrobin and kresoxim-methyl in paddy rice irrigation water. Different SPME fiber coatings and pH values were tested. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and pH 7 were chosen to optimize extraction. All pesticides presented a recovery percentage between 90.5 and 104.2%; and detection and quantification limits were 0.03 and 0.05 µg/kg for azoxystrobin and cyproconazole, 0.02 and 0.05 µg/kg for deltametrhin and epoxiconazole, 0.02 and 0.03 µg/kg for kresoxim-methyl, and 0.01 and 0.02 µg/kg for penconazole. The expanded uncertainty was estimated for all pesticides showing results lower than 20%. A total of 100 paddy rice irrigation water samples, collected in different rice fields from Argentina, were evaluated. The study showed that 86 of them presented residues. The concentrations exceeded the values that were set by European legislation and the frequencies were higher than 86% so the agricultural practices should be revised.

Statistical and chemometric view of the variation in the concentration of selected organophosphates in peeled unwashed and unpeeled washed fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables play an important role in human nutrition. Study of the contamination sources which result from farming activities is of importance. For this reason, a chitosan-graphene oxide nanocomposite film was prepared and implemented as the extractive phase in thin film microextraction of six organophosphate residues (OPPs) in the samples using high-performance liquid chromatography. The optimized method was validated and the limits of detection (0.7-1.2 µg l^-1), limits of quantification (2.3-4.0 µg l^-1) and linear dynamic range (2.0-1000.0 µg l^-1) were obtained. Principal component analysis revealed clustering of the fruit and vegetable samples based on the selected (OPPs) into two groups of unwashed-unpeeled and peeled-washed. This mapping was further investigated using descriptive method of boxplot. Washing and peeling of the samples, reduced the presence of OPPs to half or one third of interquartile range found in the unpeeled and unwashed samples.

Pesticide Residues in Table Grapes and Exposure Assessment

This report describes levels of 172 pesticide residues in table grapes in Turkey. A total of 280 samples of table grapes were collected from supermarkets, bazaar, and greengrocer shops located in four provinces of Turkey from August to October 2016. The samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. The limit of quantification ranged from 0.002 to 0.010 mg kg^-1. The validation data revealed good recoveries and good repeatability and reproducibility and fulfilled the other requirements of the European SANTE/11945/2015 Guideline. One or more pesticide residues were detected in 59.6% of the table grapes. The residues above the EU maximum residue levels were 20.4% of the samples. The most prevalent pesticide residues were azoxystrobin, chlorpyrifos, boscalid, and cyprodinil. Left-censored results (40.4% of the results) were substituted by lower bound , middle bound, and upper bound values. In the worst-case scenario, the hazard index (HI) was 3.37% for adults and 9.42% for children. Chlorpyrifos was the major contributor (65%) to HI.

Employing Solid Phase Microextraction as Extraction Tool for Pesticide Residues in Traditional Medicinal Plants

HS-SPME was optimised using blank plant sample for analysis of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) of varying polarities in selected medicinal plants obtained from northern part of Botswana, where OCPs such as DDT and endosulfan have been historically applied to control disease carrying vectors (mosquitos and tsetse fly). The optimised SPME parameters were used to isolate analytes from root samples of five medicinal plants obtained from Maun and Kasane, Botswana. The final analytes determination was done with a gas chromatograph equipped with GC-ECD and analyte was confirmed using electron ionisation mass spectrometer (GC-MS). Dieldrin was the only pesticide detected and confirmed with MS in the Terminalia sericea sample obtained from Kasane. The method was validated and the analyte recoveries ranged from 69.58 ± 7.20 to 113 ± 15.44%, with RSDs ranging from 1.19 to 17.97%. The method indicated good linearity (R² > 0.9900) in the range of 2 to 100 ng g^-1. The method also proved to be sensitive with low limits of detection (LODs) ranging from 0.48 ± 0.16 to 1.50 ± 0.50 ng g^-1. It can be concluded that SPME was successfully utilized as a sampling and extraction tool for pesticides of diverse polarities in root samples of medicinal plants.

Direct determination of methyl parathion insecticide in rice samples by headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

BACKGROUND

The organophosphorus insecticides, especially those based on methyl parathion as active principle, have been used extensively in the protection of rice in Maranhão State, in the north-east of Brazil. This paper describes the optimisation of a solid-phase microextraction (SPME) procedure in confined atmosphere (headspace, HS) for the determination of methyl parathion in rice organic samples by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry detection (GC/MS).

RESULTS

The proposed HS-SPME-GC/MS method has been shown to be appropriate for direct analysis of the insecticide in polished rice, with satisfactory results for the following parameters: linearity (correlation coefficient 0.9985), sensitivity (LOD and LOQ of 0.026 and 0.078 µg kg(-1) respectively), precision (coefficients of variation between 6.1 and 22.4%) and accuracy (recoveries varying from 73.2 to 90.0%). Although the efficiency of the proposed GC/MS does not differ statistically (P < 0.05) from the conventional GC/NPD method, given its low cost, speed and also the fact that a minimum volume of toxic effluent is generated, this method can be considered an on-line procedure based on green chemistry.

CONCLUSIONS

Thus, the analytical methodology satisfies the minimum requirements for control of residues of such insecticides in rice samples destined for human consumption.

Direct Immersion Solid-Phase Microextraction with Matrix-Compatible Fiber Coating for Multiresidue Pesticide Analysis of Grapes by Gas Chromatography-Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (DI-SPME-GC-ToFMS)

A fast and sensitive direct immersion-solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (DI-SPME-GC-ToFMS) method for the determination of multiresidue pesticides in grapes employing a PDMS-modified PDMS/DVB coating was developed utilizing multivariate approaches for optimization of the most important factors affecting SPME performance. A comprehensive investigation of appropriate internal standards using a bottom-up approach led to the selection of suitable compounds that adequately covered a range of 40 pesticides pertaining to various classes. The validated method yielded good accuracy, precision, and sensitivity and has been successfully applied to the analysis of commercial samples. With regard to the limitations of the proposed method, the DI-SPME method did not provide a satisfactory performance toward more polar pesticides (e.g., acephate, omethoate, dimethoate) and highly hydrophobic pesticides, such as pyrethroids. Despite the challenges and limitations encountered by this method, the practical aspects of the PDMS-modified coating demonstrated here create new opportunities for SPME applied in food analysis.

Investigation on the Gas-phase decomposition of trichlorfon by GC-MS and theoretical calculation

The gas phase pyrolysis of trichlorfon was investigated by the on-line gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (GC-MS) pyrolysis and theoretical calculations. Two reaction channels were proposed in the pyrolytic reaction, by analyzing the detected pyrolytic products in the total ion chromatography, including 2,2,2-trichloroacetaldehyde, dimethyl phosphite, and dichlorvos. Theoretical calculations showed that there is an intramolecular hydrogen bond between the hydroxyl group and the phosphate O atom in trichlorfon, through which the hydroxyl H atom can be easily transferred to phosphate O atom to trigger two pyrolytic channels. In path-a, migration of H atom results in direct decomposition of trichlorfon to give 2,2,2-trichloroacetaldehyde and dimethyl phosphite in one step. In path-b, migration of H atom in trichlorfon is combined with formation of the O-P bond to give an intermediate, followed by HCl elimination to afford dichlorvos. Path-a is kinetically more favorable than path-b, which is consistent with the GC-MS results.

Developing acetylcholinesterase-based inhibition assay by modulated synthesis of silver nanoparticles: applications for sensing of organophosphorus pesticides

A novel and highly sensitive probe for the detection of organophosphorus compounds (OPs) using acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and acetylthiocholine (ATCh) during the modulated synthesis of silver nanoparticles.

Lab-on-a-drop: biocompatible fluorescent nanoprobes of gold nanoclusters for label-free evaluation of phosphorylation-induced inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity towards the ultrasensitive detection of pesticide residues

The catalysis and phosphorylated inhibition of acetylcholinesterase were monitored using fluorescent AuNCs nanoprobes for detecting pesticide residues.

Multiresidue analysis of organochlorine pesticides in milk, egg and meat by GC-ECD and confirmation by GC-MS

A multiresidue method was developed and optimized for the quantification of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in milk, egg and meat samples. Sample extraction was performed by adopting QuEChERS principle and the extracts were cleaned-up dispersive solid-phase extraction with primary secondary amine after salting out with NaCl and MgSO(4). Analysis was carried out by gas chromatography coupled with electron capture detector and confirmation by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The performance of the method was investigated in terms of linearity, accuracy, precision, detection limit and quantification limit (LOQ). Good linearity was obtained, with correlation coefficients (r(2)) higher than 0.992. Mean recoveries were found in the ranges 72%-108%, 74%-101% and 75.27%-104.56% for the milk, egg and meat, respectively, RSD % turned out to range from 0.28% to 10.05%. The method developed was successfully tested on commercial milk, egg, and meat samples from the markets of Tamil Nadu (India), proving to be a useful tool in routine analysis of OCPs for monitoring purposes. None of the compounds of interest were observed above their respective LOQ.

CODEX-compliant eleven organophosphorus pesticides screening in multiple commodities using headspace-solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

A headspace-solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometric (HS-SPME-GC-MS, hereafter abbreviated as "SPME") method was developed for dedicated organophosphorus (OP) pesticides assessment in multiple vegetable and fruit commodities. Specific extraction variables were optimised to achieve harmonised extraction performance of eleven OPs in a great span of seven characteristic commodities cataloged in Codex Alimentarius Commission. Comprehensive validation study confirmed analytical robustness of the SPME treatment in turnip, green cabbage, French beans, eggplant, apple, nectarine and grapes. Based on range-specific evaluation, extraction of individual OPs was characterised by sub-ppb level sensitivity and a wide 0.01-2.5 mg L(-1) dynamic range. Effective sample clean-up afforded precise quantification (0.5-10.9% R.S.D.) within a 70-120% recovery range at the MRL levels specified for individual commodities. Compared to conventional methods currently used, the SPME treatment developed here is quick, accurate, and relatively environmental friendly; it represents an attractive, practical way to deliver international standards in OP screening routines.

A review of sample preparation methods for the pesticide residue analysis in foods

The pesticide residues in foods have received increasing attention as one of the most important food safety issues. Therefore, more strict regulations on the maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticides in foods have been established in many countries and health organizations, based on the sensitive and reliable analysis methods of pesticide residues. However, the analysis of pesticide residues is a continuing challenge mainly because of the small quantities of analytes as well as the large amounts of interfering substances which can be co-extracted with them, often leading to experimental errors and damage to the analytical instruments. Thus, extensive sample preparation is often required for the pesticide residue analysis for the effective extraction of the analytes and removal of the interferences. This paper focuses on reviewing the recent development in the sample preparation methods for the pesticide residue analysis in foods since 2006. The methods include: liquid-liquid extraction (LLE), supercritical-fluid extraction (SFE), pressurized-liquid extraction (PLE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), solid-phase extraction (SPE), molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD), solid-phase micro-extraction (SPME), QuEChERS, cloud point extraction (CPE) and liquid phase micro-extraction (LPME), etc. Particularly their advantages, disadvantages and future perspectives will be discussed.

Visual detection of organophosphorus pesticides represented by mathamidophos using Au nanoparticles as colorimetric probe

With citrate-coated Au nanoparticles as colorimetric probe, a novel visual method for rapid assay of organophosphorus pesticides has been developed. The assay principle is based on catalytic hydrolysis of acetylthiocholine into thiocholine by acetylcholinesterase, which induces the aggregation of Au nanoparticles and the color change from claret-red to purple or even grey. The original plasmon absorption of Au nanoparticles at 522 nm decreases, and simultaneously, a new absorption band appears at 675 nm. The irreversible inhibition of organophosphorus pesticides on acetylcholinesterase prevents aggregation of Au nanoparticles. Under optimum conditions, the absorbance at 522 nm of Au nanoparticles is related linearly to the concentration of mathamidophos in the range of 0.02-1.42 μg/mL with a detection limit of 1.40 ng/mL. This colorimetric method has been successfully utilized to detect mathamidophos in vegetables with satisfactory results. The proposed colorimetric assay exhibits good reproducibility and accuracy, providing a simple and rapid method for the analysis of organophosphorus pesticides.