We present a multi-residue instrumental method that can be applied for high-throughput screening and semi-quantitation of pesticide residues in food matrices at or below the current legislative requirements. A high-resolution, accurate-mass mass spectrometer operated in Full Scan – Variable Data-Independent Analysis (FS-vDIA)* mode provided an option for full spectrum filtering, retrospective analysis, and multi-parameter-based compound identification. The method was validated for 328 target pesticides, with an option for the future extension to a larger number. (*vDIA not available in US.)
The Thermo Scientific™ TSQ™ 8000 Evo triple quadrupole GC-MS is an excellent tool for the control of MRL levels in food commodities. The enhanced velocity optics (EVO) driving EvoCell collision cell technology provide high SRM transition speeds, precision, and sensitivity for even complex methods involving several pesticides in a short run time. This application is focused on the analysis of 247 compounds in two different herbal juices, Aloe vera and Amla (Indian gooseberry), demonstrating the potential of the method to detect trace level compounds at concentrations as low as 1-2 ng/g.
As agricultural trade grows and food safety concerns mount, stricter pesticide regulations are being enforced around the world. Increased pesticide testing and reductions in maximum permissible residue levels have driven demand for fast, sensitive and cost-effective analytical methods for high-throughput screening of multi-class pesticides in food. Detection of 510 pesticides at low ppb levels was achieved within 12 minutes using the Thermo Scientific Exactive benchtop LC/MS system powered by Orbitrap technology.
Environmental monitoring of herbicides used in the production of food crops is becoming more widespread due to their increased use and inevitable leaching from soil into water sources. This application shows the advantages of using the Thermo Scientific Accucore Vanquish C18 1.5 µm UHPLC column and the Vanquish UHPLC system for the separation of 18 herbicides.
We present a multi-residue analysis method enabled by Thermo Scientific Pesticide Explorer Collection Standard Quantitation Solution. LC–triple-stage MS provides rapid and robust quantitation of more than 250 pesticides below their required MRL. This comprehensive solution includes the QuEChERS sample preparation kit, Dionex UltiMate 3000 LC system, TSQ Endura triple quadrupole MS, TraceFinder software, Accucore aQ column. Method parameters provide a start-to-finish workflow for pesticide analysis. Results address stringent EU guidelines concerning sensitivity, accuracy and precision.
