Work

A Simplified Multi-Residue Method Using μSPE Clean-Up Combined with Gas Chromatography-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry for the Determination of 250 Pesticide Residues in Cow’s Milk

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The complexity of the milk matrix, driven by its lipid-rich composition, complicates pesticide residue analysis. This study developed a simplified and robust analytical procedure for the quantification of 250 pesticides in cow’s milk. Sample preparation involved acidified ethyl acetate extraction followed by centrifugation at 0 °C. A subsequent clean-up step was performed using micro solid-phase extraction (μSPE) in a 96-well format with the enhanced matrix removal-lipid (EMR-lipid) sorbent. Final extracts were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (GC-Q-Orbitrap-MS). Method validation demonstrated satisfactory linearity within the 5–100 µg/L range, recoveries between 70.6% and 119.8%, and precision, expressed as relative standard deviation (RSD), was acceptable for both intraday (1.8–19.2%) and interday (1.6–18.5%) conditions. The limit of quantification (LOQ) was set at 10 µg/kg for all compounds. The method was applied to 23 commercial cow’s milk samples, and no pesticide residues were detected above the current European Union (EU) maximum residue limits (MRLs).

Source: Chemosensors

DOI: 10.3390/chemosensors13120405

Authors: Marta Vargas-Pérez, Osmar D. Prestes, Roberto Romero-González, Antonia Garrido Frenich

Institutions: University of Almería, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria

Language: English

Topic: Pesticide Residue Analysis and Safety

Subfield: Food Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,413