Application of solid-phase microextraction for determination of pyrethroids in groundwater using liquid chromatography with post-column photochemically induced fluorimetry derivatization and fluorescence detection

Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) is a rapid and simple analytical technique which uses coated fused-silica fibers to extract analytes from aqueous samples. This study develops a method of SPME analysis for seven pyrethroids, including fenpropathrin, λ-cyhalothrin, deltamethrin, fenvalerate, permethrin, τ-fluvalinate and bifenthrin in groundwater samples using high performance liquid chromatography combined with post-column photochemically induced fluorimetry derivatization and fluorescence detection (SPME–LC-PIF-FD). To perform the SPME, a 60 μm polydimethylsiloxane/divinylbenzene (PDMS/DVB) fiber was used for the extraction of the pesticides from groundwater samples. The main factors affecting the SPME process, such as extraction time, stirring rate, extraction temperature, pH and the desorption process were studied. The use of photochemically induced fluorescence for detection improved sensitivity and selectivity. The limits of quantification (LOQs) obtained in the matrix, with respect to EURACHEM Guidance, varied between 0.03 and 0.075 μg L−1. Relative recoveries ranged from 92 to 109% and relative standard deviations values ranged from 2 to 9%.