Determination of thiabendazole in foods and waters by solid-phase transmitted room-temperature phosphorescence

A new method for the determination of thiabendazole (TBZ) is proposed, based on enhanced native phosphorescence at room temperature when the pesticide is fixed on paper and using Pb (CH₃-COO)₂ as the enhancer. The sample and enhancer solutions were deposited on a slip of paper (Whatman No. 4), previously humidified with pH 4.0 acetic/acetate buffer solution, after which the paper was dried and placed between two quartz plates. The diffuse transmitted phosphorescence intensity was measured directly at _ex = 303 nm and _em = 472 nm. The applicable concentration range was 160.0–1200.0 ng/ml, with a relative standard deviation of 1.2%. The detection and quantification limits were 47.7 and 158.9 ng/ml, respectively. This simple method was used to measure the levels of this pesticide in potatoes, green beans, lettuce and different types of waters, showing good selectivity in all instances.