Determination of carbamates in beverages by liquid-liquid extraction with low temperature partitioning and liquid chromatography

Abstract

Carbamates are the pesticides most commonly found in dark colored foods and beverages in cases of accidental or intentional poisoning. In this work, the liquid-liquid extraction with low temperature partitioning (LLE-LTP) was optimized and validated for determination of the carbamates aldicarb, carbofuran and carbaryl in grape juice and chocolate milk beverages. This method involved extraction with acetonitrile, liquid-liquid partition at low temperature and the analysis by high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV). The method is rapid, efficient and of low-cost, employing small volumes of solvent per sample and requiring no cleanup of the extracts. The extraction methodology was selective and presented recovery percentages above 90%. The premises related to the statistical linearity tests were checked and confirmed. The method of extraction and analysis was validated with satisfactory results, and may be applied in forensic and routine analysis. © 2012 Sociedade Brasileira de Química.