Determination of pesticide residues (> 0.5 microg/L) in soft drinks and sports drinks by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry: collaborative study

A collaborative study was conducted on a method for the measurement of 19 low-level pesticide residues in soft drinks and sports drinks by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The pesticide residues determined were 2,4'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (2,4'-DDE); 2,4'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (2,4'-DDD); 4,4'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (4,4'-DDE); 2,4'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (2,4'-DDT); 4,4'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (4,4'-DDT); 4,4'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (4,4'-DDD); alpha-endosulfan; endosulfan-sulfate; dieldrin; aldrin; ethion; chlorpyrifos; beta-endosulfan; malathion; methyl-parathion; alpha-hexachlorocyclohexane (alpha-HCH); beta-HCH; delta-HCH; and gamma-HCH. Blind fortification solutions containing 4 different levels of pesticide residues (0, 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 microg/L) were provided to 8 collaborating laboratories who used them to create test samples in 6 matrixes (also provided): 2 colas, a diet cola, a clear lemon-lime soft drink, an orange soft drink, and a sports drink. Reproducibility (RSDR) for all 19 pesticide residues in all matrixes ranged from 7 to 151% at the 0.1 microg/L level, 11 to 121% at 0.5 microg/L, and 14 to 67% at 1.0 microg/L. Repeatability (RSDr), applicable to the diet cola and the sports drink, ranged from 1 to 76% for the 19 pesticide residues at the 0.1 microg/L level, 9 to 38% at 0.5 microg/L, and 9 to 38% at 1.0 microg/L. Recoveries for the 19 pesticide residues in all matrixes ranged from 77 to 645% at the 0.1 microg/L level, 60 to 231% at 0.5 microg/L, and 61 to 146% at 1.0 microg/L. It is recommended that the method be accepted by AOAC as Official First Action with a limit of quantification (LOQ) equal to 0.5 microg/L for 4,4'-DDT; 2,4'-DDT; 2,4'-DDD; 4,4'-DDE; 4,4'-DDD; 2,4'-DDE; aldrin; dieldrin; alpha-endosulfan; endosulfan-sulfate; chlorpyrifos; and ethion, and an LOQ equal to 1.0 microg/L for beta-endosulfan; alpha-HCH; beta-HCH; delta-HCH; gamma-HCH; methyl-parathion; and malathion.     

Multiresidue analysis of 18 organochlorine pesticides in traditional chinese medicine

A simple and efficient method for simultaneous gas chromatographic (GC) determination of 18 organochlorine pesticides [tecnazene, hexachlorobenzene, alpha-benzenehexachloride (BHC), pentachloronitrobenzene (PCNB), gamma-BHC, heptachlor, aldrin, methyl pentachlorophenyl sulfide, beta-BHC, delta-BHC, heptachlor epoxide, alpha-endosulfan, trans-chlorodane, cis-chlorodane, p,p'-dichlorodiphenyl dichloroethylene, o,p'-DDT, p,p'-DDD, and p,p'-DDT] in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is described. The procedure involves ultrasonic extraction and sulphuric acid treatment as the cleanup method. Detection of the sample is performed by GC-electron capture detection. A series of experiments are conducted to optimize the final pretreatment conditions [acetone-petroleum ether (1:1) as the extract solvent, ultrasonication for 15 min, three steps, concentrated sulphuric acid with 10% water for sulphuric acid treatment]. Recovery studies are performed at 10, 50, and 100 parts-per-billion (ppb) fortification levels of each organochlorine pesticide, except for alpha-endosulfan, which are 20, 100, and 200 ppb. The percentage recoveries range from 77.9% +/- 6.4% to 114.0% +/- 8.1% (average +/- standard deviation). The simple and rapid method may be used to routinely determine organochlorine pesticides in TCM.     

Methods for selective determination of persistent organochlorine pesticide residues in water and sediments by capillary gas chromatography and electron-capture detection

Different extraction methods were evaluated for the determination of fifteen organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in water and sediments. Liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) was evaluated for the pesticides analyses in water while Soxhlet extraction (SE) and microwave assisted extraction (MAE) methods were compared in sediment. Of all the extracting solvents used, dichloromethane gave the best results. Percentage recoveries ranged from 71.03 +/- 8.15 (dieldrin) to 101.25 +/- 2.17% [a-benzenehexachloride (alpha-BHC)] in water with LLE. In sediments the percentage recoveries with Soxhlet extraction method varied between 88.22 +/- 7.85 (endrin) and 109.63 +/- 5.10% (beta-BHC) and ranged from 74.11 +/- 9.82 (2,4 DDT) to 97.50 +/- 4.56% (alpha-BHC) with MAE. The limits of detection for the OCPs ranged from 5.5 to 20.6 ng/l and between 0.6 and 2.1 ng/g. respectively. The LLE and the SE methods were applied to water and sediments samples, respectively, from marine and freshwater sources in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa that receive runoffs from agricultural lands and effluents from industries. The levels of OCPs ranged from 5.5 (2,4-DDD) to 450 +/- 0.10 ng/l (beta-BHC) in water samples and from 0.6 (aldrin and 2,4-DDD) to 184 +/- 0.12 ng/g (beta-BHC) in sediments for triplicate analyses. Some endocrine disrupting OCPs such as DDT, DDE, heptachlor, endosulphan and the chlordanes were detected.     

Extraction and Clean-Up Method for the Determination of Twenty Organochlorine Pesticide Residues in Tomatoes by GLC-ECD

A method is described for the simultaneous extraction and determination of twenty organochlorine pesticides residues [hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) isomers (α, β, γ, δ), aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor and its epoxide (HE), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), α-endosulfan, o,p′-DDD, p,p′-DDD, o,p′-DDE, p,p′-DDE, o,p′-DDT, p,p′-DDT, dicofol, methoxychlor, and mirex] that were spiked in tomatoes. Samples were extracted with ethyl acetate, and the extract was subjected to a rapid clean-up using a Florisil column. The residues were determined by GLC-ECD using two columns of different polarity. The calibration graph correlation coefficient ranged from 0.9903 to 0.9990. The recoveries ranged from 95 to 99% with relative standard deviation ranging from 0.5 to 14.7% in the concentration range 0.005 to 0.2 μg/g. The limits of detection ranged from 0.004 to 0.05 μg/g and the limits of quantification ranged from 0.005 to 0.174 μg/g.     

River sediment (S-37) – A new analytical quality control material ensuring comparability of chlorinated hydrocarbon analysis during an international environmental study in China

A sediment reference material (S-37) was prepared as analytical quality control material to be used within an international project on polychlorinated hydrocarbon analysis in two Chinese rivers. The raw material was sampled during a cruise on Yangtse River and transported afterwards to the JRC Ispra for further processing. The material was treated according to the general principles applicable for candidate reference material production. After a thorough homogeneity study of the bulk the material was bottled. A total of 1080 bottles each containing 50 g of dry sediment powder was obtained. Final homogeneity and stability testing proved the material to be fit for the purpose. Isotope dilution GC/MS was used to establish target values for pentachlorobenzene (1.17 ± 0.08 ng/g), hexachlorobenzene (3.60 ± 0.17 ng/g), octachlorostyrene (0.19 ± 0.01 ng/g), pentachloroanisole (0.52 ± 0.02 ng/g), α-HCH (0.70 ± 0.05 ng/g), β-HCH (1.38 ± 0.18 ng/g), γ-HCH (0.83 ± 038 ng/g), 2,4′-DDT (0.36 ± 0.04 ng/g), 2,4′-DDE (0.29 ± 0.02 ng/g), 2,4′-DDD (0.49 ± 0.02), 4,4′-DDT (3.42 ± 0.47 ng/g), 4,4′-DDD (1.29 ± 0.17 ng/g), PCB 28 (0.11 ± 0.01 ng/g), PCB 52 (0.09 ± 0.003 ng/g), PCB 101 (0.07 ± 0.003 ng/g), PCB 138 (0.06 ± 0.003 ng/g) and PCB 153 (0.06 ± 0.003 ng/g). Furthermore, indicative values for major and minor constituents as well as for polychlorinated dibenzodioxines and -furanes were measured.     

Confirmatory determination of organochlorine pesticides in surface waters using LC/APCI/tandem mass spectrometry⋄

A confirmatory method for the determination of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and their metabolites (endrin, α-endosulfan, β-endosulfan, endosulfan sulfate, heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, 2,4′-DDD, 4,4′-DDD, 2,4′-DDE 4,4′-DDE, 2,4′-DDT, and 4,4′-DDT) in surface waters using liquid chromatography /APCI/tandem mass spectrometry has been developed. Chromatographic separation was carried out on a ChromSpher 5 Pesticide column using a gradient elution with mobile phase 1mM ammonium acetate-acetonitrile. Endrin, α-endosulfan, β-endosulfan , endosulfan sulfate, heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide were determined in the negative ionization mode, while the rest compounds in positive ionization mode. For the identification of the analytes, two multireaction monitoring transitions were selected per compounds except for the heptachlor which selected ion monitoring was used. The linearity of the optimized method ranges after SPE concentration, from 0.009 to 30.60 μgL⁻¹ with correlation coefficients greater than 0.99. The method recovery values varied from 72 to 119 % for the different fortification levels . The developed method was successfully applied to determine OCPs and their metabolites in surface water samples collected near paddy fields in growing season of rice, at year 2005 in Pathumthani province, Thailand. Endosulfan sulfate was detected in five out of seven samples and three of them could be quantitated in the range of 0.31to 0.50 μgL⁻¹.     

Preparation and certification of a fish oil natural matrix reference material for organochlorine pesticides

The mass fractions of six organochlorine pesticides in a fish oil certified reference material (CRM) have been determined using multiple methods of analysis. Fish oil was extracted from the filet of Tilapia fish collected from the River Nile, and this CRM was recently issued by the National Institute of Standards (NIS). It can be used as natural matrix CRM for organochlorine pesticides determination in fish and for marine environmental measurement purposes. The analytical methods used are described, and the obtained results were combined to calculate the mass fractions of the six detected organochlorine pesticides and their associated uncertainty values. It has been concluded that mass fractions of four pesticides are certified values. These are 1,1-(dichloroethylidene)bis[4-chlorobenzene](4,4′-DDE), 1,1-(2,2,-dichloroethylidene)bis[4-chlorobenzene] (4,4′-DDD), 1-chloro-2-[2,2,2-trichloro-1-(4-chlorophenyl)ethyl]benzene (2,4′-DDT) and 1,1-(2,2,2-trichloroethylidene)bis[4-chlorobenzene] (4,4′-DDT). Meanwhile, mass fractions of two pesticides were reference values. These are heptachlor and 1-chloro-2-[2,2-dichloro-1-(4-chlorophenyl)ethyl]benzene (2,4′-DDD).     

Effects of ultrasonic irradiation and direct heating on extraction of priority pesticides from marine sediments

Priority pesticides (alachlor, aldrin, γ-chlordane, chlorfenvinphos, chlorpyrifos, dieldrin, 4,4′-DDT, 4,4′-DDD, 4,4′-DDE, α-endosulfan, β-endosulfan, endosulfan sulphate, endrin, α-HCH, β-HCH, γ-HCH, δ-HCH, HCB, HCBD, heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, isodrin, methoxychlor, mirex, quintozene, terbuthylazine and trifluralin) are a group of toxic substances that are known by their persistency in the aquatic environment. Their screening in marine sediments may provide information on the sources and distribution in the water mass of fresh-transitional and coastal waters. This work proposes a rapid and reliable method to extract multi-residues of priority pesticides by ultrasounds irradiation from marine sediments. Multiple variables have been optimised: ultrasound frequency, sonication intensity, signal operation mode, time of extraction and water bath temperature. After sample clean-up and pre-concentration of the pesticides by stir bar sorptive extraction, the compounds were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) using the selective ion monitoring acquisition mode (SIM). Better performance was found for ultrasonic-assisted extractions (UAE) at frequency of 35 kHz and an output intensity of 60% in a sweep mode of operation. An increase of water bath temperature to 80°C had a significant effect on the extraction of pesticides with high octanol-water partitioning coefficients (K_ow). Under optimal conditions, method detection limits (MDLs) and method quantification limits (MQLs) ranged from 0.3 to 4.4 ng g^?1 and from 0.8 to 14 ng g^?1, respectively. Recoveries between 70 and 111%, at high precision levels, were found at different types of marine sediments with a single extraction cycle. Method performance was in good agreement with quality control guidelines.     

GC Analysis of Some Organochlorine Pesticides using a Brominated Internal Standard

Abstract

The brominated compound 1,1 -bis(4-chloropheny 1)2-bromoethane was specifically synthesized for use as internal standard (IS) in the GC analysis of some organochlorine pesticides. The IS was prepared by reacting commercially available 2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethanol with triphenylphosphine and tetrabromomethane.

Organochlorine pesticides were tested together with this IS for the linearity of the analytical method in the pg range of injected pesticides (HCB, α- and γ-HCH, heptachlor, aldrin, op'-and pp'-DDT and its metabolites: op'-and pp'-DDE, op'- and pp'-DDD), using MS detection in the negative ion chemical ionization mode (NICI). GC-ECD was also used to test the IS response and linearity of the method for some of the above pesticides in the pg range of injected analytes.

The synthesized IS was added and analyzed in vegetable samples (spruce needle and branch) to prove the applicability of this compound in a GC-NICI-MS analytical method for organochlorine pesticides in such samples.     

Determination of Organochlorine Pesticides and Polychlorinated Biphenyls Residues in Municipal Solid Waste Compost by Gas Chromatography with Electron−Capture Detection

A simple and efficient method for the simultaneous gas chromatographic determination of ten organochlorine pesticides (α-HCH, β-HCH, γ-HCH, p,p’-DDT, o,p’-DDT, p,p’-DDD, p,p’-DDE, aldrin, endrin, and dieldrin) and six congeners of PCBs (PCB 28, 52, 118, 138, 153, and 180) in municipal solid waste compost is described. The procedure involves a solid-phase dispersion matrix using celite as dispersant sorbent, alumina as clean up sorbent and hexane-dichloromethane (7:3, v/v) mixture as eluting solvent. An additional purification step with copper was necessary to eliminate sulphur. Analysis of the sample was performed by GC-ECD. The method was validated with fortified samples at two concentration levels (0.025 and 0.05 mg kg^?1). Average recovery ranged from 77 to 121% with relative standard deviation between 1 and 18%. The detection limits, which ranged from 0.003 to 0.01 mg kg^?1, were lower than those established by the Baden–Württemberg directive (0.033 mg kg^?1).     

Assessment of pesticide contamination in soil samples from an intensive horticulture area, using ultrasonic extraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

In order to reduce the amount of sample to be collected and the time consumed in the analytical process, a broad range of analytes should be preferably considered in the same analytical procedure. A suitable methodology for pesticide residue analysis in soil samples was developed based on ultrasonic extraction (USE) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). For this study, different classes of pesticides were selected, both recent and old persistent molecules: parent compounds and degradation products, namely organochlorine, organophosphorous and pyrethroid insecticides, triazine and acetanilide herbicides and other miscellaneous pesticides. Pesticide residues could be detected in the low- to sub-ppb range (0.05–7.0 μg kg⁻¹) with good precision (7.5–20.5%, average 13.7% R.S.D.) and extraction efficiency (69–118%, average 88%) for the great majority of analytes. This methodology has been applied in a monitoring program of soil samples from an intensive horticulture area in Póvoa de Varzim, North of Portugal. The pesticides detected in four sampling programs (2001/2002) were the following: lindane, dieldrin, endosulfan, endosulfan sulfate, 4,4′-DDE, 4,4′-DDD, atrazine, desethylatrazine, alachlor, dimethoate, chlorpyrifos, pendimethalin, procymidone and chlorfenvinphos. Pesticide contamination was investigated at three depths and in different soil and crop types to assess the influence of soil characteristics and trends over time.     

Dual-column GC analysis of mediterranean fish for ten organochlorine pesticides and sixty two chlorobiphenyls

The simultaneous analysis of α-HCH, β-HCH, γ-HCH, HCB, p,p′-DDD, p,p′-DDT, p,p′-DDE, o,p′-DDT, mirex, dieldrin and 62 chlorobiphenyl congeners on two parallel capillary GC columns of different polarity is described for nine Mediterranean fish species. Ten commercially available columns with stationary phases completely characterized in respect of their PCB elution patterns were considered for dual-column GC-ECD analysis. The combination of a 60 m × 0.25 mm i.d. column coated with a 0.25 μm film of 50% diphenyl dimethylsiloxane and a series combination of a 25 m × 0.25 mm i.d. column coated with a 0.25 μm film of 5% diphenyl dimethylsiloxane with a 25 m × 0.22 mm i.d. column coated with a 0.10 μm film of 1, 10-dicarba-closo-dodecarborane dimethylpolysiloxane furnished the highest number of separated chlorobiphenyl congeners (104). The dual-column GC system performed with high stability and reproducibility over a broad concentration range (1–3000 ng/g lipid) of the organochlorine compounds in the investigated fish.     

Biomonitoring and risk assessment of organochlorine pesticides among Saudi adults

The present study aimed to determine the serum organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) levels and risk of exposure among Saudi adults. Most OCPs are considered as endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and exposure can induce adverse health effects in both humans and wildlife. Serum OCP levels have not been documented in the Saudi population. Serum OCP concentrations were quantified using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) in 302 serum samples collected from adult Saudis. All studied OCPs were detected in all participants. High concentrations of DDT and its metabolites (DDE and DDD) were detected in both males and females, with concentrations being significantly higher in males. High concentrations of 2,4-DDE, 4,4-DDE, and gamma-HCH were detected (18.31, 16.12, and 15.15 ng g⁻¹ lipid and 5.9, 7.1, and 8.6 ng g⁻¹ lipid for males and females, respectively). Alpha-HCH, Beta-HCH, 2,4-DDT, and 4,4-DDT were detected at concentrations lower than 2 ng g⁻¹. Levels of OCPs varied according to age and body mass index (BMI). Serum concentrations of OCPs significantly differed between Saudi males and females and were influenced by age and BMI. This study is the first to document serum OCP concentrations in Saudi adults from Riyadh, KSA. Monitoring programs are suggested for evaluating serum OCP concentrations in the general population to track toxicity levels and serve as an indicator of possible adverse health effects.     

Studies of the global baseline pollution

Summary Eggs of penguins can be used to monitor indirectly the pollution of the antarctic and sub-antarctic marine environment. The different penguin species are located in defined circumpolar areas, allowing an easy regional monitoring of persistent xenobiotics in the Antarctic.In eggs from the Gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua), the Rockhopper penguin (Eudyptes crestatus) and the Magellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus) collected 1978 at the Falkland Islands the following xenobiotics could be detected after preseparation by liquid chromatography on Florisil and high resolution glass capillary gas chromatography with electron capture detection: alpha and gamma hexachlorocyclohexane, hexachlorobenzene, polychlorobiphenyls, 2,4-DDT, 4,4-DDT, 4,4-DDE, 4,4-DDD, mirex, polychloroterpenes and further not yet identified xenobiotics. In eggs of the Black-browed albatros (Diomedea melanophris) compounds of technical chlordane could be detected as well. In eggs of the vegetarian Kelp goose (Chloephaga hybrida) only traces of hexachlorobenzene and 4,4-DDE could be detected.Part IV: see [3]     

Development of a simple extraction and clean-up procedure for determination of organochlorine pesticides in soil using gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

A procedure based on QuEChERS extraction and a simultaneous liquid–liquid partition clean-up was developed. The procedure involved extraction of hydrated soil samples using acetonitrile and clean-up by liquid–liquid partition into n-hexane. The hexane extracts produced were clean and suitable for determination using gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS). The method was validated by analysis of soil samples, spiked at five levels between 1 and 200 μg kg⁻¹. The recovery values were generally between 70 and 100% and the relative standard deviation values (%RSDs) were at or below 20%. The procedure was validated for determination of 19 organochlorine (OC) pesticides. These were hexachlorobenzene (HCB), α-HCH, β-HCH, γ-HCH, heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide (trans), aldrin, dieldrin, chlordane (trans), chlordane (cis), oxychlordane, α-endosulfan, β-endosulfan, endosulfan sulfate, endrin, p,p′-DDT, o,p′-DDT, p,p′-DDD and p,p′-DDE. The method achieved low limits of detection (LOD; typically 0.3 μg kg⁻¹) and low limits of quantification (LOQ; typically 1.0 μg kg⁻¹). The method performance was also assessed using five fortified soil samples with different physico-chemical properties and the method performance was consistent for the different types of soil samples. The proposed method was compared with an established procedure based on Soxtec extraction. This comparison was carried out using six soil samples collected from regions of Pakistan with a history of intensive pesticide use. The results of this comparison showed that the two procedures produced results with good agreement. The proposed method produced cleaner extracts and therefore led to lower limits of quantification. The proposed method was less time consuming and safer to use. The six samples tested during this comparison showed that soils from cotton growing regions contained a number of persistent OC residues at relatively low levels (<10 μg kg⁻¹). These residues were α-HCH, γ-HCH, heptachlor, chlordane (trans), p,p′-DDT, o,p′-DDT, p,p′-DDD, p,p′-DDE, β-endosulfan and endosulfan sulfate.     

Separation and identification of some chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides and herbicides by two-dimensional thin-layer chromatography

Summary A simple and rapid procedure for the two-dimensional TLC separation and identification of some chlorinated insecticides and herbicides is described. The separation is carried out on silica gel G with the following solvent systems: a) benzene-glacial acetic acid-n-hexane and b) petroleum fraction b.p. 80–100°C. The identification is achieved by spraying the chromatogram with diphenylamine and irradiating with U.V. light. The following pesticides were used in the procedure: aldrin, isodrin, dieldrin, endrin, p,p-DDT, p,p-DDE, lindane, toxaphene, methoxychlor, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid)-butyl ester (2,4-DB), 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T), 4-chloro-2-methylphenoxyacetic acid (MCPA), 4-chlor-2-methylphenoxypropionic acid (MCPP) and dalapon. The herbicides 2,4-DB and MCPP could not be separated.

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Zusammenfassung Eine einfache und schnelle Methode zur zweidimensionalen dünnschichtchromatographischen Trennung und Identifizierung chlorierter Insecticide und Herbicide wird beschrieben. Die Trennung wird auf Silicagel G mit Benzol-Eisessig-n-Hexan bzw. der Benzinfraktion Kp 80–100°C durchgeführt. Die Identifizierung erfolgt durch Besprühen mit Diphenylamin und UV-Bestrahlung. Folgende Pesticide wurden untersucht: Aldrin, Isodrin, Dieldrin, Endrin, p,p-DDT, p,p-DDE, Lindan, Toxaphen, Methoxychlor, 2,4-Dichlorphenoxyessigsäure (2,4-D), 4-(2,4-Dichlorphenoxyessigsäure)-butylester (2,4-DB), 2,4,5-Trichlorphenoxyessigsäure (2,4,5-T), 4-Chlor-2-methylphenoxyessigsäure (MCPA), 4-Chlor-2-methylphenoxypropionsäure (MCPP) und Dalapon. Die Herbicide 2,4-DB und MCPP konnten nicht getrennt werden.

     

Novel method for determining DDT in vapour and particulate phases within contaminated indoor air in a malaria area of South Africa

The organochlorine insecticide DDT (1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane) is still used for malaria vector control in certain areas of South Africa. The strict Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) allows spraying on the inside of traditional dwellings with DDT. In rural villages contaminated dust presents an additional pathway for exposure to DDT. We present a new method for the determination of DDT in indoor air where separate vapour and particulate samples are collected in a single step with a denuder configuration of a multi-channel open tubular silicone rubber (polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)) trap combined with a micro quartz fibre filter. The multi-channel PDMS trap section of the denuder concentrates vapour phase insecticide whereas particle associated insecticide is transferred downstream where it is collected on a micro-fibre filter followed by a second multi-channel PDMS trap to capture the blow-off from the filter. The multi-channel PDMS trap and filter combination are designed to fit a commercial thermal desorber for direct introduction of samples into a GC–MS. The technique is solvent-free. Analyte extraction and sample clean-up is not required. Two fractions, vapour phase and particulate phase p,p′-DDT, o,p′-DDT; p,p′-DDD, o,p′-DDD; p,p′-DDE and o,p′-DDE in 4 L contaminated indoor air, were each quantitatively analysed by GC–MS using isotopically labelled ring substituted ¹³C₁₂ – p,p′-DDT as an internal standard. Limits of detection were 0.07–0.35 ng m⁻³ for p,p′-DDT, o,p′-DDT, p,p′-DDD, o,p′-DDD, p,p′-DDE and o,p′-DDE. Ratios of airborne p,p′-DDD/p,p′-DDT and of o,p′-DDT/p,p′-DDT are unusual and do not match the ideal certified ingredient composition required of commercial DDT. Results suggest that the DDT products used for indoor residual spraying (IRS) prior to, and during 2007, may have been compromised with regards to insecticidal efficacy, demonstrating the power of this new environmental forensics tool.     

Dietary intake and residues of organochlorine pesticides in foods from Hsinchu, Taiwan.

The levels of contamination with various organochlorine pesticides (such as total HCH, heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, endosulfan, and total DDT) of different foods from 3 traditional markets were determined to estimate Taiwanese daily intake of organochlorine pesticides. Of the 18 organochlorine pesticides investigated, alpha-HCH, beta-HCH, lindane, delta-HCH, heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, dieldrin, endrin, alpha-endosulfan, p,p'-DDE, and p,p'-DDT were detected at concentrations ranging from 0.26 to 10.2 ng/g wet weight. Contamination with organochlorine pesticides followed the order heptachlor > dieldrin > alpha-endosulfan > HCH isomers > heptachlor epoxide > DDT. Frequencies of detection of organochlorine pesticide residues ranged from 2.0 to 52.3%. alpha-Endosulfan was the most frequently detected organochlorine pesticide in the foods analyzed, followed by heptachlor epoxide (47.6%) and alpha-HCH (38.9%). Estimated daily intakes (EDIs) of organochlorine pesticides from foods were 1.137 micrograms for total HCH, 2.147 micrograms for heptachlor, 0.702 microgram for heptachlor epoxide, 0.624 microgram for endosulfan, 0.098 microgram for cyclodiene, and 0.541 microgram for total DDT. These EDIs were only 0.075% of the acceptable daily intake (ADI) for lindane, 47.5% of ADI for heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide, 0.045% of ADI for total DDT, and 1.01% of ADI for aldrin and dieldrin. Therefore, consumption of the foods analyzed does not pose a risk to consumer health.     

Determination of organochlorine pesticides in sewage sludge by matrix solid-phase dispersion and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

A method based on matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) has been developed for the determination of 16 organochlorine pesticides (OCs) in sludge from municipal sewage plants. Samples of lyophilized sludge were blended with alumina, placed in small columns and OCs extracted with dichloromethane assisted by sonication. Purification of the extracts was accomplished by solid-phase extraction on C₁₈ columns and OCs were eluted with acetonitrile. Analyses were performed by gas chromatography with electron impact mass spectrometric detection in the selected ion monitoring mode (GC–MS-SIM) using deuterated OCs as internal standards. The limits of detection were between 0.03 ng/g for 4,4′-DDE and 0.7 ng/g for endrin aldehyde.

Levels of OCs were determined in sewage sludge collected from 19 water treatment plants located in the province of Madrid (Spain). In all of the analyzed samples, aldrin was the compound most often found with a mean concentration of 76 ng/g. Endosulfan-I, -BHC, 4,4′-DDE and 4,4′-DDT were also present at high concentrations, with average values ranging from 32.3 to 74.3 ng/g. OCs were detected in all of the samples, with a total concentration ranging from 52 to 528 ng/g dry weight.     

An SPME–GC–MS Method for Determination of Organochlorine Pesticide Residues in Medicinal Plant Infusions

A simple method, direct-immersion sampling by solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (DI-SPME–GC–MS), has been developed for determination of organochlorine pesticides (OCP) in plant infusions. The optimum conditions for SPME with a 100-m PDMS-coated fiber were established by using a central composite design. The extraction time and sample temperature established were 60 min and 50 °C, respectively. The method was validated and used to determine hexachlorobenzene, lindane, 4,4-DDE, aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, and 4,4-DDT in infusions of Mikania laevigata and Maytenus ilicifolia. Limits for quantitation for the OCP were between 0.2 and 2.0 ng g^–1 except for lindane, for which the LOQ was higher (12 ng g^–1), because of its low affinity for the PDMS fiber. Recovery was in the range 90 to 108% and the intra-assay precision was below 17%. Transfer of the OCP from the plant to the infusion was in the range 0.34 to 3.4% and was correlated with the solubility of each compound in water.