Abstract

Capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry determination of pesticide residues in vegetables

Author(s): Subhash Chandra, Anil N.Mahindrakar, L.P.Shinde

In this study, a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method is successfully developed for the determination of pesticide residues monocrotophos, chlorpyriphos, and endosulfan in cauliflower and capsicum. The samples were extracted with ethyl acetate, cleaned up and purified through solidphase extraction with Florisil and activated charcoal. Experiments on two fortification concentrations are carried out, and the limits of detection are 0.005, 0.007, and 0.002 mg kg-1 for monocrotophos, chlorpyriphos, and endosulfan respectively. The average recoveries of pesticide residues in cauliflower and capsicum samples are 89.0 to 110.0 %.