Development and validation of a method to determine pesticides in river water using QuEChERS combined with UHPLC-MS/MS

Abstract

The continuous increase in the use and release of pesticides is worrisome because water contamination can affect health and the environment. This study optimized and validated a multi-residue method in water. The method was developed using the QuEChERS method (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) followed by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). The validation was performed on the matrix (river water) regarding accuracy, precision, linearity, limits of detection (LODs) and limits of quantification (LOQs). LODs were below 3.03 µg L-1 and LOQs were from 6.25 to 9.18 µg L-1. The accuracy (recoveries in the range of 80-117%) and for Inter-day precision, the coefficients of variation ranged from 0.35 to 15.71%, and for Intra-day precision were in the range of 0.48 to 7.02%.