A Combination of Chromatography with Tandem Mass Spectrometry Systems (UPLC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS), Modified QuEChERS Extraction and Mixed-Mode SPE Clean-Up Method for the Analysis of 656 Pesticide Residues in Rice

The emerging ungovernable application of pesticides in rice farming has attracted public concerns as these hazardous chemicals leave long-lasting environmental impacts and cause severe health effects. Here, an optimized analytical method was proposed for the measurement of 656 pesticide residues in rice samples collected in Vietnam. We utilized chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry systems (UPLC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS) combined with a modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) extraction method and adopted a mixed-mode SPE clean-up method for the analysis. The results showed that a total of 341 and 315 compounds were determined by UPLC- and GC-MS/MS, respectively. Usage of 10 mL MeCN, 5 mL H2O and 1% glacial acetic acid as extraction solvent outperformed other mixtures in purifying the analytes from the sample matrix. Besides, pressure swing adsorption connected to a C18 cartridge with C18 placed on top exhibited remarkably more extracted compounds of high recovery which resulted in 299 and 318 compounds with recovery ranging from 70 to 120% in GC- and UPLC-MS/MS, respectively. Our optimized protocols also resulted in maximal limits of quantification of 10 mu g Kg(-1) in both MS methods with repeatability and reproducibility less than 20%. Application of validated method on 20 rice samples collected in Hanoi, Vietnam showed that 14 samples were contaminated with at least one pesticide, and insecticide was the most detected group. Overall, the compliance of all method validation parameters to SANTE/12682/2019 Guideline demonstrates that this protocol can be employed for the effective management of Vietnam's rice in accordance with international requirements.

Automated summary

The optimized analytical method proposed in this study effectively measured 656 pesticide residues in rice samples collected in Vietnam, highlighting the serious environmental and health impacts of pesticide applications. The results demonstrated the efficacy of the method in detecting pesticide contamination in rice and suggested the need for effective management strategies to address these issues.