Abstract

Pesticides are a large group of compounds with different physical and chemical properties, which place some of them among the most toxic, environmentally stable, and mobile substances. Nevertheless, their number, use, and application are continuously expanding. A consequence of their use is the possible presence of residues in treated food products. To protect consumers from exposure to unacceptable levels of pesticides Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) were introduced by law regulations. Due to the low detection levels required and the complex nature of food matrices, efficient sample preparation and trace levels detection and identification are important aspects in the analytical methodologies. Classical extraction techniques are complicated, laborious, time consuming and require large amounts of solvent, being, therefore, expensive and hazardous. For these reasons faster and safer techniques are needed. An attractive and alternative method to the traditional is QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, Safe). It has become the main analytical tool in most pesticide monitoring laboratories because of its flexibility and high degree of selectivity and sensitivity. QuEChERS is a combination of liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) and solid-phase extraction (SPE). The consumption of sample and toxic solvents with the QuEChERS method is minimal. By applying QuEChERS to the determination of pesticides in fruit and vegetables, matrix effects are eliminated and high recoveries of target analytes are possible. This paper presents an overview about QuEChERS method and its application to determine pesticides in fruits and vegetables.

Authors (3)