Sorbent-excluding sample preparation method for GC-MS pesticide analysis in apple peel

Area of Science:

• * Agricultural Chemistry
• * Analytical Chemistry
• * Food Science

Background:

• * Apple peels accumulate pesticide residues from treatments.
• * Accurate detection of pesticide residues is crucial for food safety.
• * Waxy compounds in apple peels can interfere with analytical methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To develop and validate a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method for analyzing pesticide residues.
• * To quantify specific pesticides: pyrimethanil, cyprodinil, trifloxystrobin, bifenthrin, and boscalid.
• * To assess the method's efficiency in overcoming matrix interferences, particularly waxes.

Main Methods:

• * Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) for residue analysis.
• * A simplified extraction procedure minimizing sorbent use.
• * Efficient removal of apple peel waxes as primary interferents.

Main Results:

• * The developed method effectively removed waxes, reducing GC-MS interferences.
• * Matrix effects and selectivity issues were observed, linked to wax content.
• * The method was successfully applied to analyze apple orchard samples post-treatment.

Conclusions:

• * A fast, economical, and reliable screening method for pesticide residues in apple peels was established.
• * The method's efficiency in wax removal enhances GC-MS analysis accuracy.
• * This technique supports effective monitoring of pesticide residues in apples.