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Published on: April 10, 2020
Improved detection of acephate residues in tomatoes using PSI-MS/MS with functionalized polyacrylamide modified
Camila Cíntia Sousa Melo Brito1, Jean Carlos Pereira Sousa2, Tauã Emanuel Silva1
1Laboratório de Cromatografia e Espectrometria de Massas-LACEM, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal de Goiás-UFG, Avenida Esperança s/n, Campus Samambaia, Prédio 1, Sala 113, 74690-900 Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil.
This study developed a novel functionalized paper for rapid detection of the pesticide Acephate (ACE) in tomatoes using ambient ionization mass spectrometry. The method offers improved sensitivity and accuracy, identifying non-compliant ACE levels in commercial samples.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Food Safety
Background:
- Pesticide use in agriculture improves crop yield but raises toxicity and environmental concerns.
- Acephate (ACE), an organophosphorus insecticide, poses health risks and is widely used in tomato cultivation.
- Traditional ACE detection methods are time-consuming and unsuitable for rapid on-site analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel, rapid, and sensitive method for Acephate (ACE) detection in tomato samples.
- To enhance the selectivity and efficiency of ambient ionization mass spectrometry (AIMS) for pesticide residue analysis.
- To assess the presence and regulatory compliance of ACE in commercially available tomatoes.
Main Methods:
- Development of a novel paper spray ionization mass spectrometry (PSI-MS) substrate by modifying chromatographic paper with polyhydroxamicalkanoate (PHA).
- Characterization of the PHA-functionalized polymer to confirm its suitability for ACE analysis.
- Optimization of the PSI-MS method for rapid (3-minute) analysis of ACE in tomato samples, evaluating linearity, precision, accuracy, and limits of detection/quantification.
Main Results:
- The PHA-modified paper significantly improved ionization efficiency and sensitivity for ACE detection.
- The optimized method demonstrated excellent linearity, precision, and accuracy with low limits of detection (0.24 μg/kg) and quantification (13.25 μg/kg).
- Acephate (ACE) was detected in commercially available tomatoes, indicating regulatory non-compliance with Brazilian legislation.
Conclusions:
- The novel PHA-functionalized PSI-MS substrate provides an innovative, rapid, and efficient approach for pesticide residue determination in food.
- This method offers a viable alternative to traditional techniques for on-site pesticide analysis.
- The detection of ACE in tomatoes highlights the need for stringent monitoring and enforcement of pesticide regulations.
