Headspace solid-phase microextraction for the gas chromatographic analysis of organophosphorus insecticides in vegetables

J AOAC Int. 2007 Nov-Dec;90(6):1677-81.

Abstract

Residues of organophosphorus insecticides (diazinon, methyl parathion, fenitrothion, malathion, and parathion) were determined in 13 different vegetable matrixes by headspace solid-phase microextraction performed with a polydimethyl-siloxane fiber (100 microm). Determination was carried out by gas chromatography with a nitrogen-phosphorus detector. Limits of detection and quantification were < 0.005 and 0.017 mg/kg, respectively; thus, the limits of maximum residue levels (MRLs) required by European regulations can be verified without difficulty. Pesticide residues were found in 38% of the 125 fresh commercial samples (imported and domestic) that were analyzed. Residues of methyl parathion and parathion, which were withdrawn in Greece in 2003, were detected in 36.8 and 4% of all samples, respectively. The MRLs were exceeded overall by 1%.

MeSH terms

  • Chromatography, Gas
  • Environmental Exposure
  • Greece
  • Indicators and Reagents
  • Insecticides / analysis*
  • Organophosphorus Compounds / analysis*
  • Reference Standards
  • Vegetables / chemistry*

Substances

  • Indicators and Reagents
  • Insecticides
  • Organophosphorus Compounds