Analysis Of Pesticide Residue In Spinach Using The AutoMate-Q40 An Automated QuEChERS Solution

QuEChERS is a Quick-Easy-Cheap-Effective-Rugged-Safe extraction method that has been developed for the determination of pesticide residues in agricultural commodities. The rise in popularity of the QuEChERS technique and the increase in sample testing have driven the need for automation for this extraction technique. By using the AutoMate-Q40, it streamlines the two part QuEChERS extraction from the liquid/solid extraction to the cleanup step.

The aim of this project is to evaluate the performance and versatility of the AutoMate-Q40. A liquid mass spectrocopy/ mass spectroscopy (LC/MS/MS) was used to determine 14 pesticides from spinach using, the AutoMate-Q40, an automated QuEChERS solution. Quantification was based on matrix-matched calibration curves with the use of internal standard to ensure method accuracy. QC samples were evaluated at levels of 20, 40, 100 ng/g to ensure precision and accuracy of the AutoMate-Q40. Recoveries of all but one pesticide fell outside of the 70% to 120% range with sample reproducibility <8%.