GLC analysis of thiabendazole residues in citrus fruit

Analysis of thiabendazole (TBZ) residues in citrus fruit is performed using a bonded phase, SE-54, fused-silica capillary column. The fungicide is extracted with hexane: ethyl acetate (90:10, v/v) at high pH and, after a short cleanup, determined by gas-liquid chromatography with a nitrogen-phosphorus detector (NPD). Recoveries through the method are always higher than 80% and the limit of detection is 0.01 mg/Kg. TBZ residues are determined in whole fruit, peel, and pulp of "Washington Navel" oranges and "Hernandina" clementines treated with 1500 mg/L fungicide. Residues found in these samples and their changes during storage are reported. TBZ analysis in samples with high residue levels (peel and whole fruit) is also carried out by direct determination in the crude extracts. Results obtained with this shorter method are similar to those of the former proposed method.