In situ adsorbent formation based dispersive micro-solid phase extraction using a deep eutectic solvent as an elution solvent for the extraction of some pesticides from honey samples prior to GC-MS analysis

In this work, a simple, inexpensive, green, and fast dispersive micro-solid phase extraction method has been developed for the extraction of several pesticides from honey samples. In this approach, a solution of curcumin was prepared in ethanol and it was dispersed into a sample solution with the aid of a syringe. Curcumin was precipitated in the sample solution as tiny particles and the analytes were adsorbed onto them. After centrifugation the adsorbed analytes were eluted with tetrabutylammonium chloride:dichloroacetic acid deep eutectic solvent. The dissolved analytes in the deep eutectic solvent were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Parameters affecting the extraction efficiency of the method including sorbent amount, dispersive solvent type and volume, elution solvent type and volume, salting out effect, and sonication time were investigated. Extraction recovery of the method was obtained in the range of 70-83%. Also wide calibration ranges and low detection limits (0.22-0.81 ng g(-1)) were obtained. Relative standard deviation values for intra- and inter-day precisions were <= 10.2% for all analytes at a concentration of 5 ng g(-1) of each (n = 6). Finally, ten honey samples were analyzed and data showed that all of the studied samples were free of the analytes.

Automated summary

A new rapid, inexpensive, and efficient micro-solid phase extraction method was developed for extraction of pesticide residues from honey samples. The method demonstrated high extraction recovery and low detection limits.