Simultaneous determination of a spectrum of trichothecene toxins out of residuals of biogas production

A sensitive and selective method for the simultaneous determination of a spectrum of trichothecenes in residuals of biogas production has been developed. It comprises sample clean-up by liquid/liquid partition for digested manure and solid phase extraction for digested solid phase. Quantification of A- and B-type trichothecenes as their trifluoroacetyl derivatives is performed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS), that of B-type trichothecenes alternatively by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Fluorescence detection (FLD) after post-column derivatisation using methylacetoacetate and ammonium acetate after alkaline decomposition of toxins was applied. Detection limits in digestates were between 1 and 30 microg/l and 20 and 50 microg/l for GC/MS and HPLC/FLD, respectively. Recovery rates were between 52 and 129% for GC/MS detection with the exception of T-2 tetraol with 22%, and between 56 and 123% for HPLC/FLD.