Development and validation of QuEChERS method for estimation of chlorantraniliprole residue in vegetables

An easy, simple and efficient analytical method was standardized and validated for the estimation of residues of chlorantraniliprole in different vegetables comprising brinjal, cabbage, capsicum, cauliflower, okra, and tomato. QuEChERS method was used for the extraction and cleanup of chlorantraniliprole residues on these vegetables. Final clear extracts of ethyl acetate were concentrated under vacuum and reconstituted into high performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC) grade acetonitrile, and residues were estimated using HPLC equipped with PDA detector system, C(18) column and confirmed by liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS), and high performance thin layer chromatograph (HPTLC). HPLC grade acetonitrile:water (80:20, v/v) was used as mobile phase @ 0.4 mL/min. Chlorantraniliprole presented distinct peak at retention time of 9.82 min. Consistent recoveries ranging from 85% to 96% for chlorantraniliprole were observed when samples were spiked at 0.10, 0.25, 0.50, and 1.00 mg/kg levels. The limit of quantification of this method was worked out to be 0.10 mg/kg.