Optimization of transmission near infrared spectrometry procedures for quality control of pesticide formulations

The use of different response functions to be optimized in the frame of the use of near infrared spectrometry for quality control of active principles in agrochemical formulations has been evaluated. Both, simple functions, based on parameters like sensitivity, repeatability, accuracy, signal to noise ratio, limit of detection or sample throughput, and a complex function, considering all the aforementioned aspects, were employed in the development of a new method for Iprodione determination in agrochemicals. Optimization strategies were based on the previous screening of the most important instrumental factors like number of cumulated scans, nominal resolution, mirror velocity and zero filling factor, based on a two-level full factorial design and on the search for the optimum conditions using central composite designs. Data found evidenced the influence of the response function on the optimum values of experimental conditions and could be employed as a general guide to evaluate the experimental factors in routine use of near infrared spectrometry. Finally the optimized method for Iprodione has been applied to the determination of Diuron and results found compared with those obtained by a conventional approach.