Simultaneous Detection of Multiple Plant Growth Regulator Residues in Cabbage and Grape Using an Optimal QuEChERS...

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Food Science

Background:

• Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are extensively used in agriculture and forestry.
• Excessive application of PGRs poses risks of human and animal poisoning due to their inherent toxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a simultaneous analytical method for detecting multiple plant growth regulator (PGR) residues in fruits and vegetables.
• To ensure the quality and safety of agricultural products by assessing and controlling PGR residues.

Main Methods:

• Utilized ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS).
• Employed the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) method for sample preparation, including optimized extraction and cleanup conditions.
• Analyzed grapes and cabbages, extracting residues with acetonitrile containing acetic acid and quantifying using external standards with matrix matching.

Main Results:

• Optimized mobile phase (methanol-0.1% formic acid-5 mmol/L ammonium acetate) and extraction solvent (acetonitrile with 5% acetic acid).
• Achieved excellent linearity (R ≥ 0.98) for 30 PGRs within specified ranges.
• Demonstrated average recoveries of 61-132% with relative standard deviations of 1-14% and limits of quantification (LOQs) of 1.0-100 μg/kg.

Conclusions:

• The developed QuEChERS UHPLC-MS/MS method enables high-throughput, rapid quantitative screening and confirmation of multiple PGR residues in fruits and vegetables.
• The method offers simple, convenient sample preparation with minimal solvent usage, supporting regulatory supervision of PGR residues.
• Provides technical references for detecting residues of other compounds in various matrices.