Rapid analysis of parathion in biological samples using headspace solid-phase micro-extraction (HS-SPME) and gas...

A simple and rapid method for the analysis of parathion in biological samples is presented. The method consists of the extraction of parathion from blood samples by headspace solid-phase micro-extraction (SPME), followed by capillary gas chromatography and mass spectrometry detection. The recoveries in the blood samples after addition of ammonium sulphate and sulphuric acid were between 85% and 89% compared to samples prepared in water. Linearity was established over a concentration range of 0.1-5 microg/g blood with acceptable coefficients of correlation and limits of detection reached 0.02-0.05 microg/g. The time for an analysis is 57 minutes for one sample, including the extraction step. In conclusion, HS-SPME in combination with GC/MS is an effective method for the determination and quantification of parathion-ethyl and parathion-methyl in biological material.