A liquid chromatography mass spectrometry-based method to measure organophosphorous insecticide, herbicide and non-organophosphorous pesticide in grape and apple samples

The LC-MS/MS with Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and safe method was used for analysis of eighteen pesticides in fruit samples. This method was found to be accurate (≥99%), as it possessed limits of detection in the 0.002-0.087 ranges respectively. The coefficients of variations (≥0.9999) were less than 2% at the low ng g−1 concentration. Mean recoveries ranged between 97 and 101%, and % RSD were below 5%. The imidacloprid mean concentrations of red grapes (125.124 ng g−1) and green grapes (702.030 ng g−1) differed significantly (p < 0.05) between the grapes. Similarly, the fenitrothion mean concentration of red grapes (143.66 ng g−1) and green grapes (51.554 ng g−1) differed significantly (p < 0.001) between the fruits. The average concentration of quinalphos was 4.317 and 1.389 ng g−1 differed significantly (p < 0.01) between the grapes. In apples imidacloprid, quinalphos, triazophos, ethion and acephate were also present. This study may be helpful in developing a regional exposure database and in the facilitation of health risk assessment due to pesticide exposure.

► The LC-MS and QuEChERS method was used for analysis of pesticides in fruits. ► Method was accurate (≥99%), possessed LOD in the 0.002-0.087 μg kg−1 ranges. ► Mean recoveries ranged 97 and 101% and % RSD) were below 5%. ► Imidacloprid mean values of red grapes (125 ng g−1) and green grapes (702 ng g−1). ► Fenitrothion mean values of red grapes (143 ng g−1) and green grapes (51 ng g−1).