[Validation of a Method for the Simultaneous Determination of Pesticide Residues in Soybeans and Brown Rice by...

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Food Science

Background:

• Accurate determination of pesticide residues is crucial for food safety.
• Existing methods may be time-consuming or solvent-intensive.
• Simultaneous analysis of multiple crops requires robust sample preparation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a simultaneous method for pesticide residue determination in soybeans and brown rice.
• To optimize sample preparation for efficiency and reduced solvent consumption.
• To meet stringent regulatory criteria for pesticide analysis.

Main Methods:

• Gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) was employed.
• Solid-phase extraction (SPE) based sample preparation was utilized, adapted from the QuEChERS method.
• A multi-functional SPE column (InertSep VRA-PR) was used for purification.

Main Results:

• The method successfully determined 268 pesticide compounds in brown rice and 231 in soybeans.
• Validation studies confirmed the method's reliability at fortification levels of 0.01 μg/g and 0.1 μg/g.
• The developed procedure met the target criteria specified by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) of Japan.

Conclusions:

• A validated method for simultaneous pesticide residue analysis in soybeans and brown rice was established.
• The SPE-based procedure offers an efficient and solvent-saving approach.
• This method supports regulatory compliance and enhances food safety monitoring.