Analytical methodology for organophosphorus pesticides used in Canada

An overview of analytical methodology for the determination of organophosphate pesticides residues in foods is presented. Sample extraction is carried out with acetone followed by a dichloromethane-hexane partition. The organic extract is purified by automated gel permeation chromatography and analysed by capillary gas chromatography with flame photometric or thermionic detection. Confirmation can be carried out by a variety of chemical derivatization techniques including hydrolysis followed by reaction of the phosphate or phenol moiety, direct alkylation or trifluoracetylation. Thin-layer chromatography with enzyme inhibition detection can be used as a rapid screening technique or to confirm results obtained by gas chromatography. Liquid chromatography has not been used much for the determination of organophosphorus compounds in foods.