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Rapid screening of residual pesticides on fruits and vegetables using thermal desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Author(s) -
Shiea Christopher,
Huang YeouLih,
Liu DeLin,
Chou ChihChang,
Chou JoHan,
Chen PengYu,
Shiea Jentaie,
Huang MinZong
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
rapid communications in mass spectrometry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.528
H-Index - 136
eISSN - 1097-0231
pISSN - 0951-4198
DOI - 10.1002/rcm.7086
Subject(s) - chemistry , pesticide , mass spectrometry , chromatography , pesticide residue , sample preparation , thermal desorption , ambient ionization , detection limit , electrospray ionization , environmental chemistry , analytical chemistry (journal) , desorption , chemical ionization , ionization , adsorption , ion , organic chemistry , agronomy , biology
RATIONALE Conventional mass spectrometry is encumbered by laborious and inconvenient sample pretreatment. Ambient thermal desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (TD‐ESI‐MS) is most noted for its rapid, simple, and sensitive detection capabilities. In this study, TD‐ESI‐MS was used to rapidly characterize residual pesticides on the surfaces of fruits and vegetables. METHODS A direct sampling probe was used to obtain analytes from sample surfaces. MS and MS/MS analyses were performed on fruits and vegetables via TD‐ESI‐MS. External calibration curves and reproducibility tests were performed using liquid pesticide standards. Pesticide decay and distribution on samples was studied, as well as the removal of residual pesticides via soaking in water or detergent baths. RESULTS Since sample pretreatment was unnecessary, an analysis was completed in approximately 15 s or less, with no visible sample damage. Mass spectra were obtained for 22 pesticides. Linear calibrations (R 2 from 0.9414–0.999) had limits of detection as low as 0.5 µg·L –1 , with satisfactory reproducibilities for liquids and solids. Pesticides on sample surfaces decayed over 2 weeks under ambient conditions. Residual pesticides localized at the fruit peel. Detergent baths removed more pesticide than water baths. CONCLUSIONS TD‐ESI‐MS was used to rapidly screen residual pesticides in liquids and solids. Pesticides were found on fruits and vegetables, where the decay, distribution, and removal of pesticides on samples were also explored. Due to short analysis times, the technique allows for high‐throughput analyses for applications in food and environmental safety. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.