Copper clean-up procedure for ultrasonic extraction and analysis of pyrethroid and phenylpyrazole pesticides in sediments by gas chromatography-electron capture detection

► A rapid extraction and copper-based clean-up method was developed. ► Recoveries after storage at 4 °C for 21 d ranged from 79.2 to 120.0%. ► Percent relative standard deviations less than 10% (most < 6%). ► Recoveries ranged from 94.3% to 120.0% at three fortification levels. ► Method detection limits ranged from 0.22 μg kg−1 to 3.72 μg kg−1.