Simultaneous Determination of Multi-Class Pesticide Residues and PAHs in Plant Material and Soil Samples Using the Optimized QuEChERS Method and Tandem Mass Spectrometry Analysis

New analytical approaches to the simultaneous identification and quantification of 94 pesticides and 13 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in five representative matrices (pepper, apple, lettuce, wheat, and soil) were developed. The analyses were based on gas chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). The procedure was optimized by changing the solvent used during the extraction, from acetonitrile to the acetone: n-hexane mixture at a volume ratio of 1:4 (v/v), as well as the use of a reduced amount of water during the extraction of compounds from cereals. An additional modification was the use of florisil instead of GCB in the sample cleanup step. A full method validation study was performed, at two concentration levels (LOQ and 1000 x LOQ), which showed satisfactory results for all analytes from the PAHs group, with recoveries ranging from 70.7-115.1%, and an average RSD of 3.9%. Linearity was tested in the range of 0.001-1.000 mg/kg and showed coefficients of determination (R-2) >= 0.99 for all PAHs. Satisfactory recovery and precision parameters (LOQ and 100 x LOQ) were achieved for almost all analytes from the pesticide group in the range of 70.1-119.3% with the mean RSD equal to 5.9%. The observed linearity for all analytes in the concentration range of 0.005-1.44 mg/kg was R-2 >= 0.99, with the exception of famoxadone, chizalofop-p-ethyl, prothioconazole, spirodiclofen, tefluthrin, and zoxamid. The extended uncertainties were estimated, using a top-down approach of 9.9% (average) and 15.3% (average) for PAHs and pesticides samples, respectively (the coverage factor k = 2, the 95% confidence level). Ultimately, the method was successfully applied to determine pesticide residues in commercial samples of fruit, vegetables and grain, and soil samples for PAHs, which were collected from selected places in the Podkarpacie region. A total of 38 real samples were tested, in which 10 pesticides and 13 PAHs were determined. Proposed changes allow us to shorten the sample preparation time (by 20%) and to reduce the consumption of organic solvents (by 17%). The use of florisil for sample cleanup, instead of GCB, improves the recovery of compounds with flat particles.

Automated summary

New analytical approaches were developed for the identification and quantification of pesticides and PAHs in five representative matrices. The optimized procedure showed satisfactory results for all analytes, with improved recovery and precision. The method was successfully applied to determine pesticide residues in commercial samples and showed potential for reducing sample preparation time and solvent consumption.