Evaluation of the matrix effect on gas chromatography – mass spectrometry with carrier gas containing ethylene glycol as an analyte protectant

• A newly method for reduction of the matrix effect on GC–MS was evaluated.
• The matrix effect were compensated by introducing ethylene glycol to carrier gas.
• The method does not affect the GC–MS performance.
• The determination precision of GC–MS was maintained for a long time.

The consequences of matrix effects in GC are a major issue of concern in pesticide residue analysis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of an analyte protectant generator in pesticide residue analysis using a GC–MS system. The technique is based on continuous introduction of ethylene glycol into the carrier gas. Ethylene glycol as an analyte protectant effectively compensated the matrix effects in agricultural product extracts. All peak intensities were increased by this technique without affecting the GC–MS performance. Calibration curves for ethylene glycol in the GC–MS system with various degrees of pollution were compared and similar response enhancements were observed. This result suggests a convenient multi-residue GC–MS method using an analyte protectant generator instead of the conventional compensation method for matrix-induced response enhancement adding the mixture of analyte protectants into both neat and sample solutions.