Stir Bar Sorptive Extraction (SBSE)-HPLC-Tandem MS-Based Method for Multi-Residue Determination of Pesticides in Drinking Water
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: values. Therefore, developing sensitive methods to detect a broad spectrum of hazardous chemicals in aqueous matrices is challenging. Gas and liquid chromatography/high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/HPLC-MS) are established tools but typically require pre-concentration steps. Stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) is a green, simple, automatable, and HPLC-compatible technique. This study presents a multi-residue method for determining 131 pesticides in mineral water using SBSE followed by HPLC-tandem MS. The selected pesticides, from various chemical classes, were evaluated in fortified ultra-pure and mineral water samples. The method demonstrated excellent sensitivity, with lower limits of quantification ranging from 20 to 50 ng/L for all analytes, enabling detection at trace levels. Selectivity was high (SEL% <20%), and reproducibility was confirmed with RSD% values below 20%. Intra- and interday precision tests revealed RSD% values from 0.23% to 19.81%. Trueness was validated with BIAS% below 20% at all concentrations. Uncertainty values were acceptable, with U% ranging from 1.44% to 49.24%. This SBSE-HPLC-tandem MS method is a robust, efficient, and reliable alternative to traditional approaches for routine monitoring of pesticide residues in drinking water, with quantification limits below regulatory requirements. It offers a suitable tool for public health applications, ensuring reliable pesticide detection in complex water matrices.
Source: Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Alex Affricano, Silvia Serra, Alice Di Bernardo, Riccardo Aigotti, Francesco Floris, Federica Dal Bello, Claudio Medana
Institution: University of Turin
Language: English
Subfield: Food Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4408880940