A micro-QuEChERS method coupled to GC–MS for the quantification of pesticides in specific maternal and fetal tissues

• We developed a rapid, sensitive micro-QuEChERS method coupled to GC–MS.
• This method is suitable for quantifying pesticides in specific fetal tissues.
• This method should be useful for the specific estimation of fetal risk.

The aim of this study was to establish a new QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe) method coupled to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) detection for the evaluation of the pesticide biodistribution in specific maternal and fetal tissues. This method was validated for the quantification of pesticides such as chlorotriazines (atrazine, simazine and propazine), their chlorinated metabolites (DIA, DEA and DACT). This new QuEChERS method was developed to facilitate extraction from small tissues such as fetal tissues (mean value: 200 mg). The limits of detection, quantification, recovery, precision and accuracy were evaluated for different tissues (liver and brain) and blood. LOD and LOQ ranged between 0.34 and 3.27 ng/g and 1.04 to 9.91 ng/g, respectively. Recovery exceeded 80% for all pesticides, except DACT, with an associated RSD < 15%. Precision and accuracy satisfied the criteria usually applied in the validation of bioanalytical methods. The results obtained indicate that this technique is suitable for use in studies of the biodistribution of pesticides in fetal tissues and can be used to evaluate the risk of exposure to pesticides during gestation.

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