Determination of poorly fluorescent carbamate pesticides in water, bendiocarb and promecarb, using cyclodextrin nanocavities and related media

The effect of native cyclodextrins (alpha, beta, or gammaCD with six, seven and eight glucose units, respectively), hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HPCD), chitosan (CHT) and glucose in water solution or water with n-propylamine (PA) as co-solvent upon the UV-vis and fluorescence properties of poorly fluorescent N-methyl carbamates pesticides (C) as bendiocarb (2,2-dimethyl-1,3-benzodioxol-4-ol methylcarbamate, BC) and promecarb (3-methyl-5-(1-methylethyl)phenol methylcarbame, PC) was examined. Fluorescent enhancement was found for both substrates with all CDs in water or PA-water except from PC with alphaCD. The addition of CHT increases the fluorescence of BC but decreases the fluorescence of PC, and glucose addition gives in both cases no spectral changes. Host-guest interaction was clearly determined by fluorescence enhancement with betaCD and HPCD with a 1:1 stoichiometry for the complexes (C:CD). The values obtained for the association constants (K(A), M(-1)) were (6+/-2)x10(2) and (2.3+/-0.3)x10(2) for BC:betaCD and BC:HPCD complexes, respectively. For PC:betaCD and PC:HPCD the values of K(A) were (19+/-2)x10(2) and (21+/-2)x10(2), respectively. The ratio of the fluorescence quantum yields for the bound and free substrates (phi(CCD)/phi(C)) was in the range 1.74-3.8. The limits of detection (L(D), microg mL(-1)) for the best conditions were (0.57+/-0.02) for BC with HPCD and (0.091+/-0.002) for PC with betaCD in water. Application to the analysis in pesticide spiked samples of tap water and fruit yields satisfactory apparent recoveries (84-114%), and for the extraction procedure in fruits and a commercial formulation, recoveries were of 81-98% and 104%, respectively. The method is rapid, simple, direct, sensitive and useful for pesticide analysis.

Production of a novel recombinant Drosophila melanogaster acetylcholinesterase for detection of organophosphate and carbamate insecticide residues

A novel recombinant Drosophila melanogaster acetylcholinesterase (R-DmAChE) produced in Pichia pastoris was first reported in this study. We cloned the DmAChE cDNA by reverse transcription PCR with removal of the signal for glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor attachment and the endogenous signal peptide coding sequence, and inserted it into P. pastoris vector pPIC9K under control of the alcohol oxidase gene AOX1 promoter (5'AOX1). The expression cassette of AChE cDNA was then introduced into methylotrophic yeast GS115 and several recombinant strains expressing R-DmAChE were obtained. The secreted R-DmAChE showed high stability in neutral phosphate buffer at 4 degrees C, and its kinetic parameters were identical to those of the native DmAChE. The bimolecular rate constants of R-DmAChE to dichlorvos, aldicarb and carbaryl were ranging from three to six times higher than of native DmAChE. Within six insecticides, the R-DmAChE was more sensitive than EeAChE, NbAChE and HuAChE. For 10 widely used insecticides, the IC50 values to the R-DmAChE were much lower than those to AChEs commonly used in China. With the R-DmAChE-based assay, samples spiked with three concentrations of pesticides caused enzymatic activity inhibition with R.S.D. of 0-13.7%. These results suggest that the R-DmAChE can be useful for detection of organophosphate and carbamate insecticide residues.

Ammonium perfluorooctanoate as a volatile surfactant for the analysis ofN-methylcarbamates by MEKC-ESI-MS

Ammonium perfluorooctanoate (APFOA) was investigated as an MS-friendly surfactant for the analysis of a mixture of ten N-methylcarbamates with MEKC-ESI-MS. Because of the relatively low boiling point of perfluorooctanoic acid ( approximately 190 degrees C), APFOA can be introduced into a mass spectrometer without the adverse effects of less volatile surfactants such as SDS. With a BGE consisting of 50 mM APFOA/isopropanol (IPA) 98:2 and with 30 kV applied, a very fast separation ( approximately 6 min) was possible with only one pair of analytes comigrating. Using an experimental design with four factors (voltage, nebulizer pressure, concentration of APFOA, and concentration of IPA) we were able to resolve all analytes in just over 11 min. Sheath liquid composition and flow rate, drying gas temperature and flow rate, and fragmentor voltage were then optimized for maximum signal intensity and S/N. It was found that the faster method gave better S/N because of narrower peak widths, and detection limits in SIM mode were between 0.01 (aldicarb) and 0.08 mg/L (methomyl). Calibration curves were prepared with standards of 0.50, 1.00, and 2.00 mg/L for the analysis of samples obtained after SPE of tap water spiked with the ten N-methylcarbamates at a level of 10 microg/L. All analytes showed very good recoveries (>86%), except for the most polar analyte aldicarb sulfone (recovery of 73%), testifying for the potential use of APFOA for this kind of analyses.

Survey of carbamate and organophosphorous pesticide export from a south Florida (U.S.A.) agricultural watershed: implications of sampling frequency on ecological risk estimation

The objectives of the present study were to characterize the presence of selected carbamate and organophosphorous pesticides in Ten Mile Creek (Fort Pierce, FL, U.S.A.) and to evaluate the implications of sampling frequency on ecological risk estimates. Ten Mile Creek originates in a predominately agricultural watershed that is drained by an extensive network of cross-linked canals. Water samples were collected daily or every other day and were analyzed for azinphos-methyl, chlorpyrifos, diazinon, dimethoate, ethion, fenamiphos, malathion, methidathion, carbaryl, carbofuran, 3-hydroxycarbofuran, methiocarb, methomyl, oxamyl, and propoxur. A total of 457 samples were analyzed for the carbamate suite, and a total of 332 samples were analyzed for the organophosphorous suite. Carbaryl was detected in eight samples; half of these detections occurred on four consecutive days (October 26-29, 2001) at concentrations ranging from 0.33 to 0.95 microg/L. Methomyl was detected in samples collected on five consecutive days (March 30-April 3, 2002) at concentrations ranging from 1.0 to 2.2 microg/L. Oxamyl was detected in four samples, three of which occurred on three consecutive days (February 17-19, 2002) at concentrations ranging from 6.2 to 6.8 microg/L. The carbamates propoxur, 3-hydroxycarbofuran, carbofuran, and methiocarb were not detected. Diazinon and ethion were the only organophosphorous pesticides detected. Diazinon was detected at 0.9 and 0.7 microg/L on January 5, 2002, and on January 6, 2002, respectively. Ethion was detected in 18 consecutive samples (August 3-20, 2001). The mean, maximum, minimum, and median detected concentrations were 0.38, 0.61, 0.30, and 0.33 microg/L, respectively. Results indicate that frequent sampling is necessary to characterize the presence of these pesticides in this intensively drained watershed. This conclusion also may apply to similar canalized watersheds.

Evaluation of the bioavailability of the herbicide prosulfocarb through adsorption on soils and model soil colloids, and through a simple bioassay

Adsorption isotherms of prosulfocarb were determined on soils with different physicochemical properties. The extent of adsorption increased with the organic carbon content, but the results also suggested the involvement of some inorganic soil surfaces. In order better to understand the role of each soil surface, adsorption-desorption isotherms were determined on model soil colloids consisting of a soil humic acid, a montmorillonite, a synthetic aluminium hydroxide and their associations. The highest adsorption was observed on the humic acid, but it was also confirmed that the montmorillonite interacted with prosulfocarb. In contrast, the aluminium hydroxide was not active and its association with montmorillonite provoked a decrease in adsorption compared with montmorillonite alone. Except for humic acid, the highest adsorption took place on the ternary association montmorillonite-aluminium hydroxide-humic acid. On each surface tested, the adsorption was largely reversible and decreased at increasing pH. The herbicidal activity of prosulfocarb was tested by the determination of the germination and growth of a typical weed, Lolium multiflorum Lam, in contact with prosulfocarb solutions at different concentrations. The herbicide did not prevent the germination of the seeds but inhibited the growth of the roots and leaves. The same test was performed in the presence of the ternary system to evaluate the influence of adsorption on the plant bioavailability. It was concluded that the presence of an adsorptive surface reduced the herbicidal activity and that the simple bioassay proposed could be useful in predicting the extent of adsorption in a given soil.

Transfer and metabolism of paralytic shellfish poisoning from scallop (Chlamys nobilis) to spiny lobster (Panulirus stimpsoni)

The transfer and transformation of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) from scallop Chlamys nobilis to spiny lobster Panulirus stimpsoni were investigated in the present study. The results demonstrate that transfer and transformation of PSP toxins occurred when Panulirus stimpsoni were fed with toxic viscera of Chlamys nobilis, but depurated with non-toxic squids. Additionally, only the lobster hepatopancreas were found to contain PSP, and the toxin profiles were the same with those in the viscera of the scallop, including carbamate toxins (GTX(1-3)), N-sulfocarbamoyl toxins (C(1+2) and B(1)) and decarbamoyl toxins (dcGTX(2+3)). Unlike the lobster, the scallop contained more alpha than beta toxins. After being fed with toxic Chlamys nobili for 6 d, Panulirus stimpsoni selectively accumulated N-sulfocarbamoyl toxins with low toxicity. However, when they were depurated with non-toxic squid, N-sulfocarbamoyl toxins tended to transform into carbamate toxins with higher toxicity. The concentration of dcGTX(2+3) in Panulirus stimpsoni decreased significantly and wasn't detectable after depuration for 6 d, which was likely due to their initial low accumulation of toxins. These results reveal that PSP could be transferred and transformed in Crustaceans along the given food chain under the conditions of laboratory, but there are many questions remained to be solved, and the further studies should be carried out.

Characterization of the Thermal Decomposition and Polymerization of Arprocarb Using Pyrolysis-GC-MS

Arprocarb is a carbamate type insecticide used to control cockroaches, flies, mosquitoes, and is a lawn and turf insect growth regulator. In order to evaluate the effects of the thermal behavior of arprocarb on its bioactivity or the environment, its thermal decomposition and polymerization were characterized using pyrolysis-GC-MS (Py-GC-MS). Arprocarb was pyrolysed at 450 degrees C, 600 degrees C, 750 degrees C, and 900 degrees C, respectively. In all 71 components were determined. It was found that arprocarb was obviously decomposed when the temperature was lower (450 approximately 750 degrees qC), and a large number of mono- and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were produced at higher temperatures (750 approximately 900 degrees C). Furthermore, the variety of the representative compounds versus the temperature was reported. The research results can provide useful information for the understanding of the thermal behavior of arprocarb.

Drift of 10 herbicides after tractor spray application. 1. Secondary drift (evaporation)

In the present study the evaporation of 10 herbicides was investigated during five field experiments, and the amount deposited per surface area was quantified inside the field using simple passive dosimeters consisting of microscope slides placed on plastic lids. On an average basis 90% of the applied amount reached the field. The accumulated evaporation from the microscope slides was largest during the first hours after application, and the losses in 24 h (from 0% for tribenuron-methyl, fluroxypyr-1-methylheptylester and phenmedipham to 80% for prosulfocarb) was similar to other studies of losses from plant surfaces. An indication of a diurnal difference in the evaporation was observed, probably caused by the differences in temperature or by global radiation. The evaporation did not generally correlate to the vapour pressure. The amounts collected at t=0 on the passive dosimeters were for all field experiments in the same range as the reported amounts applied to the field, and the passive-dosimeters method was found to be a good and reliable method for collection of sprayed pesticides. The advantage of this method was also that it was simple and cheap and easy to set up for screening of evaporation of pesticides from the field after spraying.

N-methyl carbamate pesticide residues in conventional and organic infant foods available on the Canadian retail market, 2001–03

Seven parent N-methyl carbamate insecticides, in addition to two transformation products of aldicarb (aldicarb sulfoxide and aldicarb sulfone), and a single transformation product of carbofuran (3-hydroxycarbofuran) were measured in infant and junior foods available on the Canadian retail market between 2001 and 2003. Carbaryl and methomyl were the only analytes present at levels above the limits of detection in juice, cereals, fruit, vegetables or meat samples analysed. Carbaryl was the most frequently (7.6%) detected compound and concentrations ranged from 0.6 to 18 ng g-1. Detectable levels of carbaryl were most frequently found in foods prepared with fruit. Methomyl was detected (0.8 ng g-1) in one chicken with broth sample analysed in the present study. In all cases, the concentrations observed were orders of magnitude below the maximum residue limits established for these compounds in the corresponding raw food commodities in Canada (100-10 000 ng g-1). Dietary intakes of carbaryl and methomyl based on the consumption of infant foods tested ranged between 0.2-343 and 0.4-2.0 ng kg-1 body weight day-1, respectively.

Preliminary pharmaceutico-analytical evaluation of Transkarbam 12 using liquid chromatography

This paper deals with the search for optimal conditions for the identification of Transkarbam 12 (T 12) as a substance used for acceleration of transdermal penetration. Such substances are used in cases when drugs do not pass through the skin barrier under normal conditions. Other advantages are that they do not irritate the digestive system, provide continuous administration to an organism, and reduce fluctuations of drug concentration in blood. TLC and HPLC were used for identification. In the case of TLC, Silufol UV254 was used as stationary phase and the mobile phase consisted of chloroform, ethanol, and acetic acid. Detection was performed with iodine vapour. In the case of HPLC, the following three chromatographic columns were tested for the analysis of T 12: Silasorb SPH C 18, Silasorb SPH nitrile, and LiChrosorb Si-60. Because of the absence of any chromophore in the structure of T 12, work was performed on the derivatized compound. Detection was carried out at 230 nm. Quantification was studied on LiChrosorb Si-60 and the linearity, precision, and accuracy were evaluated.

[Detection carbamate pesticides residue in cucumber by immobilized acetyicholinesterase enzyme]

A novel method was described for detection carbamate pesticides residue in cucumber by immobilizing acetylcholinesterase enzyme in a micro-screen plate with 96 wells based on GA-BSA-gelatin gels. The concentrations of BSA, GA and gelatin in enzyme immobilization solution were optimized and the best concentrations were 5%, 0.5% and 0.1%, respectively. To analyze the pesticides residue 5g cucumber sample was homogenized with 10 mL acetone then an aliquot of 5mL extract was collected in a 10 mL test tube with a cap, into which 2g sodium chloride and 2mL dichloromethane were added in sequence. After shaking, 1 mL of the supernatant aliquot was evaporated by a blower in a small beaker and dissolved by 20% methanol-water solution then 50 microL was piped to a sample well. After incubation 10 minutes the absorbance was detected. The proposed method offered a rapid, simple and inexpensive means to in screen of batch samples. The minimum detection limit of this method was in a range of 0.1-0.2 mg/kg for cucumber samples.

Application of liquid-phase microextraction and on-column derivatization combined with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry to the determination of carbamate pesticides

A method has been established for the determination of five carbamate pesticides in water samples using liquid-phase microextraction (LPME) followed by on-column derivatization and gas chromatography-mass spectrometric (GC-MS) determination. Trimethylphenylammonium hydroxide (TMPAH) and trimethylsulfonium hydroxide (TMSH) were used as derivatization reagent for extracts prior to GC-MS analysis as carbamate pesticides are thermally labile compounds. Parameters that affect the extraction efficiency (selection of organic solvent and extraction time) and derivatization efficiency (choice of derivatization reagent and concentration of derivatization reagent) were investigated. The proposed method provided good enrichment factors up to 224, with reproducibility ranging from 4.86 to 7.81%, and good linearity from 1 to 400 microg/L. The limits of detection (LODs) ranged between 0.2 and 0.8 microg/L (S/N = 3) using GC-MS with selective ion monitoring. This method was applied to the determination of carbamate pesticides in tap water and waste water.

Optimization of HPLC chromatographic conditions for determination of Transkarbam 12 and its degradation products

This paper deals with searching of HPLC chromatographic conditions for determination and separation of Transkarbam 12 (T 12) and its two main degradation products (omega-aminocaproic acid and dodecylalcohol). T 12 is a new substance which belongs to the group of accelerators of transdermal penetration. Chromatographic separation was achieved using Separon SGX C18 analytical column (150 mm x 3 mm i.d.; 5 microm). Mobile phase contained acetonitrile and sodium acetate buffer pH 4.5 at the flow rate of 1 ml/min. Separation was carried out under the conditions of gradient elution. After the modification of the structure by derivatization reagent (3,5-dinitrobenzoyl chloride) detection at wavelength 230 nm was realized. The aim of this study was not only the optimization of the separation of derivatization reagent and derivatized T 12, Ak and D but also optimal derivatization processes for all three substances.

EPR study on the ligand-exchange reaction between bis(diethyldiselenocarbamato)copper(II) and bis(octyldithiocarbonato)copper(II)

EPR study on the ligand-exchange reaction between bis(diethyldiselenocarbamato)copper(II), Cu(Et2dsc)2, and bis(octyldithiocarbonato)copper(II), Cu(octxant)2, in CH2Cl2, CHCl3, CCl4, C6H6 and C6H5.CH3 is reported for the first time. Mixing of equimolar amounts of the parents (chromophores CuSe4 and CuS4, respectively) in C6H6, C6H5.CH3 and CH2Cl2 makes EPR signals of both parents superimposed by the spectrum of a mixed-chelate Cu(xant)(dsc) complex (chromophore CuS2Se2). A new additional EPR spectrum appears in CHCl3 or CCl4 due to a five-coordinate mixed-ligand complex with the chromophore Cu(S3Se)S as follows by comparing the g-values of parents and mixed-ligand complexes. The appearance of this complex could be explained having in mind donor-acceptor properties of complexes, solvents and the resultant reaction of Cu(octxant)2 with the ester of diselenocarbamic acid yielded in Cu(Et2dsc)2 destruction by CCl4 or CHCl3.

Probabilistic assessment of the cumulative acute exposure to organophosphorus and carbamate insecticides in the Brazilian diet

In the present study, the cumulative exposure of 25 acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibiting pesticides through the consumption of nine fruits and vegetables by the Brazilian population was assessed. Food consumption data were obtained from a household budget survey conducted in all Brazilian states from July 2002 to June 2003. Residue data from 4001 samples were obtained from the Brazilian national monitoring program on pesticide residues. Relative potency factors (RPF) were calculated with methamidophos or acephate as index compounds (IC), using BMD(10) or NOAEL for AChE inhibition, mostly in rat brain, obtained from national and international pesticide evaluations. Monocrotophos and triazophos, in addition to aldicarb, had the highest calculated RPF in any scenario. The exposure to AChE inhibiting pesticides for the general population at P99.9, represented 33.6% of the ARfD as methamidophos and 70.2% ARfD as acephate. The exposure calculated as acephate could exceed the ARfD at the upper bound of the 95% confidence interval for this percentile. Exposure for children aged up to 6 years were, on average, 2.4 times higher than the exposure for the general population. Tomato represented about 67% of the total intake of AChE inhibiting pesticides. The highest calculated equivalent residues in tomato, which drove most of the estimated intakes at the high percentiles, were related to the illegal use of monocrotophos and triazophos in this crop.

Determination of carbosulfan and its metabolites in oranges by liquid chromatography ion-trap triple-stage mass spectrometry

Liquid chromatography ion-trap mass spectrometry LC-MSn has been successfully applied to identify and confirm carbosulfan and seven of its metabolites in oranges after pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) with dichloromethane. Mass spectra of carbosulfan and its metabolites were investigated using multiple stages of mass spectrometry. Although interpretation of the fragmentation pathways, based on mass spectra, enables structural elucidation and identification of these compounds, the proposed fragmentation pathways and ion structures need verification by exact mass measurements. The analytical method--PLE and LC-MS3 --was validated: limits of quantification (LOQ) ranged from 0.01 to 0.07 mg kg(-1); at this level, recoveries were 55-90% with RSDs (five replicate analyses) from 8 to 19%. The degradation of carbosulfan was determined in a laboratory study carried out in mature oranges (Valencia Late) and tangerines (Clementine of Nules) already harvested. Main degradation products of carbosulfan were carbofuran, 3-hydroxycarbofuran, 3-ketocarbofuran and dibutylamine.

Development and validation of a new high-performance liquid chromatography method for the determination of gliclazide and repaglinide in pharmaceutical formulations

A new high-performance liquid chromatography method was developed and validated for the quantitation of gliclazide and repaglinide in pharmaceutical formulations. Determination was performed using a LiChroCART RP-18 column, a mobile phase containing acetonitrile-phosphate buffer (pH 2.1; 60 + 40, v/v), and ultraviolet (UV) detection at 225 nm. Repaglinide was used as an internal standard for gliclazide determination and gliclazide for repaglinide assay. The method was validated with respect to linearity, precision, robustness, ruggedness, accuracy, and specificity. The calibration graphs ranged from 0.015 to 0.09 mg/mL for gliclazide and 0.06 to 0.36 mg/mL for repaglinide. Intra- and interday relative standard deviation values for the standard solutions were 0.70 and 1.01% for gliclazide and 0.78 and 0.93% for repaglinide, respectively. Total recoveries of gliclazide and repaglinide from the laboratory-prepared mixtures were 99.82 +/- 0.58 and 101.50 +/- 0.46% for gliclazide and repaglinide, respectively [mean +/- standard deviation (SD)]. In forced degradation studies, the effect of acid, base, oxidation, UV light, and temperature on both drugs was also investigated. Finally, the method was applied for the quality control of commercial gliclazide and repaglinide tablets. Total recovery was 100.40 +/- 0.35 and 104.46 +/- 0.23% for gliclazide and repaglinide, respectively (mean +/- SD).

[Study on characteristic of biosensors associated with cholinesterase for detection of pesticide residues]

Current research activity in characteristic of biosensors associated with cholinesterase (ChE) for detection of organophosphate and carbamate pesticide residues is summarized. Some novel methods, which aimed to overcome the problems inherent to ChE inhibition analysis, namely selectivity, accuracy, irreversible inhibition and matrix effect, etc, are commented. More sensitive genetically engineered ChE variants and sophisticated parallel detection systems are also envisaged when it comes to turning biosensors based on ChE into marketable products, respectively.

Rapid separation and determination of carbamate insecticides using isocratic elution pressurized capillary electrochromatography

An isocratic elution pressurized CEC (pCEC) system was used to separate and determine ten carbamate insecticides. It was found that introduction of the electrical field, supplementary pressure, and SDS in the proposed method greatly improved the speed, column efficiency, selectivity, and repeatability for separation and determination of carbamates. On a capillary column of 75 microm ID packed with 3 microm octadecyl silica, baseline separation and detection of ten analytes was performed by using a mobile phase consisting of 30% v/v ACN and 70% v/v of 5 mmol/L ammonium acetate (pH 6.5) containing 1 mmol/L SDS and 0.01% triethylamine (TEA). Under the optimum conditions ten carbamate insecticides could be completely separated within 20 min. For the real vegetable samples, an SPE procedure for the cleanup of matrices was carried out prior to pCEC analysis. The detection limits of 0.05-1.6 mg/kg for ten carbamates and mean recoveries of 51.3-109.2% for eight kinds of vegetable samples at different concentrations of carbamates with RSD less than 11.4% were obtained, respectively. The proposed method has been proved to be effective in the rapid analysis of carbamate residues in vegetables.

Development of a multi-residue method for the determination of 18 carbamates in tobacco by high-performance liquid chromatography/positive electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry

A multi-residue method for the determination of carbamates in tobacco was developed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (MS). A rapid sample preparation consisted of an extraction step with methanol, centrifugation and 1:1 dilution with aqueous 10 mM ammonium acetate. After filtration these extracts were directly analysed by reversed-phase HPLC coupled to positive electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry operated in the multiple reaction monitoring mode. Capillary voltage and dwell times were optimised to reduce matrix effects and to increase sensitivity. The method was validated for the determination of 18 carbamates in three main types of raw tobacco and three tobacco products. The interday accuracy ranged between 80 and 110% with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of <30%. The limits of quantification (LOQs) ranged between 0.01 and 0.04 ppm for almost all carbamates, except aldicarb sulfone, carbofuran, and pebulate, with LOQs between 0.10 and 0.20 ppm. These LOQs were clearly below the guidance residue levels defined by the Agrochemical Advisory Committee of CORESTA, an association of organisations having scientific research relative to tobacco.

Fluorescence Determination of the Pesticide Asulam by Flow Injection Analysis

This paper presents the analytical determination of the pesticide Asulam based on its native fluorescence. The method was optimized in either a flow injection analysis (FIA) assembly or in batch. The maximum fluorescence intensity was observed for basic pH solutions and at a lamda(ex) of 258 nm and a lamda(em) of 342 nm. The influence of different empirical parameters, such as the pH, the presence of surfactants, solvent polarity or solved oxygen amount, was studied. The calibration range was fitted with a linear equation from 0.01-3 mg l(-1) Asulam and 0.005-15 mg l(-1) Asulam for batch and continuous-flow, respectively. The RSD for both procedures was 1.0%. After testing the influence of a large series of potential interferents, the method was applied to water samples from different locations.

Determination of pesticides in soy-based infant formula using liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

A sensitive method using liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS/MS) was developed and validated to quantify and confirm 13 pesticides, including aldicarb sulfoxide, aldicarb sulfone, oxamyl, methomyl, formetanate, 3-hydroxycarbofuran, carbendazim, thiabendazole, aldicarb, propoxur, carbofuran, carbaryl, and methiocarb, in soy-based infant formula. Data acquisition under MS/MS was achieved by applying multiple reaction monitoring of 2 fragment ion transitions to provide a high degree of sensitivity and selectivity for both quantitation and confirmation. Different approaches to constructing calibration curves were compared and discussed to address issues of the extraction efficiency or recovery, and matrix effects. Matrix-matched standard calibration curves with the use of isoprocarb as an internal standard were finally used to achieve the best accuracy of the method. Under most circumstances, recoveries of 13 pesticides, spiked at 5.0, 25.0, and 45.0 microg/kg, were close to 100%. The method detection limits (signal-to-noise ratio > or =3:1; microg/kg) of 13 pesticides were 0.2 for thiabendazole and methiocarb, 0.6 for aldicarb, and 0.1 for the others.

Liquid chromatographic determination of N-methyl carbamate pesticide residues at low parts-per-billion levels in eggs

A reversed-phase liquid chromatographic (LC) method is presented for the analysis of N-methyl carbamate pesticide residues and piperonyl butoxide in eggs at levels as low as 2 microg/kg (ppb). The study was undertaken to provide data for dietary exposure estimates used in risk analysis. The method uses an acetonitrile extraction followed by liquid-liquid partitioning and normal-phase aminopropyl solid-phase extraction column cleanup. Determination of residues is by reversed-phase LC with an inline postcolumn reaction followed by fluorescence detection. The average recoveries of 21 fortified (most at 2.0 and 20.0 ppb) N-methyl carbamate pesticide residues and the carbamate metabolite 1-naphthol from eggs ranged from 70 to 107%. Recoveries of the pesticide synergist piperonyl butoxide ranged from 63 to 106%. Single-comb White Leghorn hens were treated with the carbamate carbaryl, and the eggs subsequently produced were analyzed for carbaryl and 1-naphthol residues.

Partial least-squares with residual bilinearization for the spectrofluorimetric determination of pesticides. A solution of the problems of inner-filter effects and matrix interferents

This paper demonstrates for the first time the power of a chemometric second-order algorithm for predicting, in a simple way and using spectrofluorimetric data, the concentration of analytes in the presence of both the inner-filter effect and unsuspected species. The simultaneous determination of the systemic fungicides carbendazim and thiabendazole was achieved and employed for the discussion of the scopes of the applied second-order chemometric tools: parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) and partial least-squares with residual bilinearization (PLS/RBL). The chemometric study was performed using fluorescence excitation-emission matrices obtained after the extraction of the analytes over a C18-membrane surface. The ability of PLS/RBL to recognize and overcome the significant changes produced by thiabendazole in both the excitation and emission spectra of carbendazim is demonstrated. The high performance of the selected PLS/RBL method was established with the determination of both pesticides in artificial and real samples.