Multi-Residue Analysis of 205 Crop Pesticides Using Mini-Solid Phase Extraction-Large Volume Injection-GC-MS

A simple, rapid, and sensitive multi-residue method has been developed for the determination of 205 pesticides commonly used for crop protection. Pesticide residues were extracted from samples with acetonitrile and a mini-solid phase extraction filter. No additional concentration or clean-up steps were necessary. Analyses were performed via large volume gas chromatography injection using a stomach-shaped inlet liner. The developed method was linear over the range assayed (5-50 mu g L-1), with determination coefficients > 0.99. The limits of quantification were in the range 0.0005-0.6 mg kg(-1) and the limits of detection were between 0.00015 and 0.2 mg kg(-1). The majorities of them were lower than the maximum residue set by the Japanese government in Positive System for Agricultural Chemical Residues in Food directive in apple. This method was applied to determine pesticide levels in vegetables, fruits, and beans.