HPLC determination of pesticides in soybeans using matrix solid phase dispersion

A method to determine six pesticides applied in soy cultivation (imazethapyr, imazaquin, metsulfuron-methyl, carboxin, chlorimuron-ethyl, and tebuconazole) using matrix solid phase dispersion (MSPD) as the extraction technique followed by a clean-up step, using a C8 co-column, and subsequent chromatographic analysis by high performance liquid chromatography diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) was developed. The validated method showed good recuperation for all pesticides (60-120%), except for metsulfuron-methyl and tebuconazole at their lowest concentration levels, and the quantification limits of the method (0.04-0.08gg-1) were below the maximum residue limits imposed by the principal regulatory agencies.