Simultaneous determination of 223 pesticides in tobacco by GC with simultaneous electron capture and nitrogen-phosphorous detection and mass spectrometric confirmation

Abstract

LSE (liquid-solid extraction), MSPD (matrix solid phase dispersion) and QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe) extractions followed by GC-μECD/NPD to determine 223 pesticide residues in tobacco simultaneously were developed and compared. The identities of ten model pesticides were confirmed by GC-MS/MS. The type and amount of dispersant (Florisil, silica gel and alumina), sample mass, cleanup adsorbent, and the eluent (hexane, acetone and acetonitrile) were optimized. Linearity, recovery, LOQ, LOD, and matrix effect were compared. Most recoveries were 71-120% (RSD < 18%). LOD and LOQ were much lower than the CORESTA GRLs. The best method was QuEChERS: acetonitrile extraction and dispersive solid-phase extraction using primary-secondary amine and graphitized carbon.