Analysis of multiple pesticide residues in polyphenol-rich agricultural products by UPLC-MS/MS using a modified QuEChERS extraction and dilution method

An efficient method for the rapid extraction and clean-up of 20 pesticide residues from polyphenol-rich agricultural samples (tea, apple, broccoli, and shallot) for analysis by UPLC-MS/MS was developed. Following extraction, PVPP was used to precipitate polyphenols, supernatant was diluted to minimize matrix effects. Homogenized samples were vortexed in acetonitrile prior to cleanup with a combination of PVPP (150 mg), PSA (50 mg) and GCB (10 mg). Supernatant (1 mL) was filtered and diluted 10-fold before analysis. In 4 agricultural products that usually produce high interference, the matrix effects were overcome for all pesticides expect in green and oolong tea for acephate, omethoate, dinotefuran and nitenpyram. Mean recoveries ranged from 73% to 106%, and RSD <= 13%. Limits of quantification ranged from 0.01 to 0.02 mg kg(-1). PVPP as one of excellent QuEChERS material combined with dilution was verified as a promising method for multiple pesticide residues analysis in complex matrices.