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.)
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.
In this work, the Exactive Plus instrument was used to analyze extracts of horse feed spiked with common pesticides. We demonstrate the ability of a high-resolution, accurate-mass benchtop mass spectrometer to achieve high sensitivity and selectivity when analyzing modern, very-short-gradient UPHLC separations of complex samples.
We describe a method to analyze large numbers of pesticides in a single run on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer using TraceFinder software with built-in workflows for streamlining method development and routine analysis.
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.
