Evaluation of QuEChERS method for the determination of organochlorine pesticide residues in selected groups of fruits

This paper reports a method for organochlorine pesticide determination in selected fruit species where pesticide residues were extracted and cleaned using a buffered QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe) method, followed by GC-MS analysis. The method results showed the matrix-matched calibration curve linearity was > 0.99 for all target analytes. With pesticide recovery rates (spiked at 0.008 mg kg(-1)) ranging from 70% to 120%, and RSD values < 17% for most compounds, the limit of quantification ranged from 0.001-0.013 mg kg(-1). Finally, the method ruggedness was further demonstrated by analysis of actual commercial fruits and baby food samples.