| Abstract: | An overview of analytical methodology for the determination of organophosphate pesticides residues in foods is presented. Sample extraction is carried out with acetone followed by a dichloromethane-hexane partition. The organic extract is purified by automated gel permeation chromatography and analysed by capillary gas chromatography with flame photometric or thermionic detection. Confirmation can be carried out by a variety of chemical derivatization techniques including hydrolysis followed by reaction of the phosphate or phenol moiety, direct alkylation or trifluoracetylation. Thin-layer chromatography with enzyme inhibition detection can be used as a rapid screening technique or to confirm results obtained by gas chromatography. Liquid chromatography has not been used much for the determination of organophosphorus compounds in foods. |
