Two-step dispersive-solid phase extraction strategy for pesticide multiresidue analysis in a chlorophyll-containing matrix by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Two-step dispersive-solid phase extraction strategy for the cleanup of QuEChERS extracts in multiresidue analysis of current-use pesticides in a chlorophyll-containing matrix was evaluated and is reported for the first time. The proposed approach combines two sequential steps of dispersive-solid phase extraction (d-SPE) to reduce matrix co-extractives. In the first step, primary secondary amine (PSA) together with a new type of sorbent, known as ChloroFiltr, was employed. This was followed by a second step of d-SPE using octadecyl (C18) and graphitized carbon black (GCB). Also, new zirconium dioxide-based sorbents (Z-Sep+ and Z-Sep/C18) were evaluated but the use of GCB/C18 provided the highest pesticide coverage with recoveries in the range of 70-120% from spiked green soybean samples. The final extracts were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). The overall recoveries at three spiking levels of 0.01, 0.05 and 0.2 mg kg−1 were 96 ± 15%, 93 ± 13% and 92 ± 13% with relative standard deviations of 10 ± 7%, 9 ± 5%, and 11 ± 5%, respectively. The proposed method provided matrix effect <20% for 77% of the target compounds, which may be considered as negligible because such variability is closed to the accepted repeatability. For the rest of 8 and 15% of the compounds, the matrix effect was 20-30% and >30%, respectively. The developed method was successfully applied to study dissipation patterns of pesticides applied to soybean in experimental plot trials, thus contributing to establish safe and proper use of pesticides by extension of authorization on minor crops in Poland.