A Rapid Multiresidue Method for Determination of Pesticides in Fruits and Vegetables by Using Acetonitrile Extraction/Partitioning and Solid-Phase Extraction Column Cleanup

Abstract

Abstract A modification of a rapid and inexpensive multiresidue method for determination of pesticides in fruits and vegetables (QuEChERS method) is presented. Samples were extracted by shaking with acetic acidacetonitrile (1 + 99). Water was removed by liquidliquid partitioning with magnesium sulfate and sodium acetate. The extract was subjected to a single solid-phase extraction (SPE) column cleanup, which produced a cleaner extract than did the dispersive SPE cleanup used in the original QuEChERS method. Recovery data were obtained for 316 pesticide residues, at levels ranging from 20 ppb to 1.0 ppm. Data were provided by 3 different laboratories. The modified QuEChERS method resulted in a 65 reduction in solvent usage, when compared with the traditional multiresidue methods previously used in our laboratories.