Performance and matrix effect observed in QuEChERS extraction and tandem mass spectrometry analyses of pesticide residues in different target crops

J Chromatogr Sci. 2011 Oct;49(9):709-14. doi: 10.1093/chrsci/49.9.709.

Abstract

The method performance and matrix effect related to quantitative determination of pesticide residues was assessed after QuEChERS extraction and LC-MS-MS analysis. Dicloran, phosmet and phosmet-oxon, pirimiphos-methyl, and BNOA were analyzed in peach, apple, melon, cereals, tomato, and strawberry. The matrix effects, as well as recovery and process efficiencies, were determined for a fungicide, two insecticides, and a plant growth regulator. Crop samples were spiked either pre- or post-extraction, then the peak area was compared with the peak area in neat solvent. The mean recovery ranged from 73% to 98%, and repeatability (as RSD) was between 3% and 16%, depending on the compound and spiking level. The matrix effect occurred as ionic suppression and was found in the range of 5% to 22% depending on the compound. Recovery efficiencies were good and substantially comparable, being in the range of 93-96%. Although the suppression observed still appears to be acceptable considering the overall process efficiency, it seems evident that the matrix effect is important when a reliable quantitative method must be applied.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Chemical Fractionation / methods*
  • Edible Grain / chemistry*
  • Food Contamination / analysis*
  • Fruit / chemistry*
  • Pesticide Residues / isolation & purification*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Tandem Mass Spectrometry / methods
  • Vegetables / chemistry*

Substances

  • Pesticide Residues