Analysis of Forchlorfenuron in Vegetables by LC/TOF-MS after Extraction with the Buffered QuEChERS Method

作者:Valverde Antonio*; Aguilera Ana; Ferrar Carmen; Camacho Francisco; Cammarano Anita
来源:Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2010, 58(5): 2818-2823.
DOI:10.1021/jf904465s

摘要

This paper describes the application of liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC/TOF-MS), with electrospray ionization, for residue analysis of forchlorfenuron in tomato, zucchini and watermelon, The assessed method includes a sample preparation step based on the buffered QuEChERS approach. The TOF-MS fragmentation pattern of forchlorfenuron was studied at different fragmention voltages in the range of 120-270 V. Analyses were carried out under full-scan conditions by using the extracted ion chromatogram (XIC) of the m/z 248 ion with a 0.2 Da The linearity of the analytical response across the studied range of concentrations (10-500 mu g/kg) was excellent, obtaining correlation coefficients higher than 0.999, and relative standard deviations of the response factors lower than 14%, for the 15 linear calibration curves of forchlorfenuron evaluated along the complete validation study. No significant matrix effects were observed. The signal-to-noise ratios obtained for the 10 mu g/kg forchlorfenuron in matrix matched standards were >70 for all three matrices. Recovery studies were carried out on spiked tomato, zucchini and watermelon blank samples, at three concentration levels (10, 50, and 200 mu g/kg) performing five replicates at each level. Forchlorfenuron mean recoveries ranged between 80% and 87% in watermelon and zucchini, and between 65% and 71% in tomato, obtaining in all cases relative standard deviation values lower than 10%. The method readily achieved a lowest validated level of 10 mu g/kg, which was fit-for-purpose in residue monitoring applications.

  • 出版日期2010-3-10