Applicability of cloud point extraction coupled with microwave-assisted back-extraction to the determination of organophosphorous pesticides in human urine by gas chromatography with flame photometry detection

A procedure for the determination of organophosphorous pesticides (OPPs) - phorate, diazinon, parathion-methyl, fenthion and quinalphos - in human urine was developed using the cloud point extraction of nonionic surfactant (Triton X-114) coupled with microwave-assisted back-extraction prior to gas chromatography with flame photometry detection (GC-FPD) analysis. The upper organic solution obtained from back-extraction was centrifugated simply for further cleanup for the sake of automatic injection. A preconcentration factor of 50 was obtained for these five OPPs extracted from only 10 mL of a sample. The limits of detection (LODs) were 0.07 ng mL−1 for phorate, fenthion and quinalphos, 0.04 ng mL−1 for diazinon and 0.08 ng mL−1 for parathion-methyl. The limits of quantification (LOQs) were 0.21, 0.12, 0.24, 0.21 and 0.21 ng mL−1, respectively. Accuracy of the method was evaluated by bias, which ranged from +6.85 to −14.68%. Precision was also good; the relative standard deviations (R.S.D.s) were less than 9%. The method showed to be potential for biological monitoring.