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Analysis of Pesticide Residues in Lettuce Using a Modified QuEChERS Extraction Technique and Single Quadrupole GC/MS

Thermo Fisher Scientific
16 Sept 2015

The determination of pesticides in fruits and vegetables has been simplified by a new sample preparation method, QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe), and published recently as AOAC Method 2007.01. The sample preparation is shortened by using a single step buffered acetonitrile (MeCN) extraction and liquid-liquid partitioning from water in the sample by salting out with sodium acetate and magnesium sulfate (MgSO4). This technical note describes the application of the QuEChERS sample preparation procedure to analysis of pesticide residues in a lettuce matrix using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) on the Thermo Scientific TRACE GC Ultra™ and Thermo Scientific DSQ™ II single quadrupole mass spectrometer. Thermo Scientific QuanLab Forms 2.5 software was used for data review and reporting.

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Gas ChromatographyGas chromatography (GC) is an analytical technique used to separate and quantitate mixtures of small and volatile compounds. Gas chromatographs or GC systems include components such as GC columns, detectors, pumps and autosamplers. Choose from packed or capillary GC columns, flame ionization (FID), photoionization (PID) electron capture detectors and selective or non-selective detectors. Find the best gas chromatographs in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Environmental Monitoring and TestingEnvironmental monitoring and testing uses handheld portable analyzers, kits, spectrometers or chromatography systems for air, water, soil, food and other sample testing. Useful features of analyzers such as BOD and COD include portability, easy calibration, automation and sensitivity.  Environmental test kits for pH, water, moisture, etc, should be accurate, sensitive, reliable, fast and easy to use.Food and Beverage AnalyzersFood and Beverage Analyzers are commonly used to provide information about the chemical composition, structure and physical properties of food materials.QuEChERSThe QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) method is a streamlined approach that is used to extract multi-residue target compounds from food samples. It is most commonly used by analytical chemists studying pesticide residues in food.PesticidesPesticides are used to protect crops from diseases, pests and unwanted plants. They are classed as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and can be harmful to humans. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) currently regulates the use of pesticides in the USA. Food SafetyFood safety describes the prevention of food-borne illnesses. Contamination with a variety of pathogens can be prevented with adequate temperature control, hygiene and labeling. Food samples can be tested using GC/MS, HPLC, SPE, and qPCR to ensure their adherence to regulations.Food TestingFood testing refers to a variety experiments including PCR, mass spectrometry, processing, QuEChERS, analyzing and Kjeldahl.GC-MSGas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) combines the separation power of gas chromatography with the detection capabilities of mass spectrometry, allowing for the analysis of complex mixtures. It is widely used in environmental, forensic, and pharmaceutical analysis. Explore GC-MS systems in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.

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