Multiresidue method for the analysis of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables by accelerated solvent extraction and capillary gas chromatography

An analytical procedure using accelerated solvent extraction and capillary gas chromatography with electron capture and flame photometric detections was developed to simultaneously determine residues of different pesticides in fruits and vegetables. Single laboratory validation of the method was carried out for 28 compounds selected from eight pesticide classes, in blank and fortified samples of fresh pear, cantaloupe, white potato, and cabbage. The method had to meet specific established validation criteria for regulatory purposes applicable to our laboratory. At each of the two fortification levels studied, 24 of the 28 pesticides gave recoveries of more than 70% with a coefficient of variation of less than 10%. With respect to existing procedures, the method showed acceptable limits of detection (from 0.0019 to 0.14 microg/g depending on the pesticide and matrix) while minimizing environmental concerns, time, and labor.