Evaluation of LC-MS/MS methodology for determination of 179 multi-class pesticides in cabbage and rice by modified QuEChERS extraction.

A method using modified QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, Safe) without clean-up step based on the sample dilution approach followed by the liquid chromatography coupled with the tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has been established for determination of 179 pesticide residues in cabbage and rice samples. Two different LC columns were used and their sensitivity was investigated regarding the sample volume. Evaluation of the matrix effect in context of sample dilution and applied extraction solvents was investigated. The method was validated according to Document SANTE/12682/2019. For cabbage samples, recoveries were 70–120% for concentration level of 5 μg/kg; and 70–115% for concentration level of 50 μg/kg; precision RSDr <17%; limits of detection and quantification were in the ranges of 0.4–5.5 and 1.2–16.7 μg/kg, respectively. For rice samples, recoveries were 70–109% for 10 μg/kg concentration; 70–115% for 100 μg/kg concentration; precision RSDr <14%, while limits of detection and quantification were in the ranges of 0.5–4.2 and 1.5–12.7 μg/kg, respectively. • Development of LC-MS/MS methodology for determination of 179 multiclass pesticides. • Modification of QuEChERS sample preparation without clean-up. • Evaluation of matrix effect on cabbage and rice samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]