Determination of forchlorfenuron residues in watermelon by solid-phase extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography

A method using solid-phase extraction for cleanup, followed by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC/UV), was developed for the determination of forchlorfenuron residues in watermelon. The pesticide is extracted from the sample with acidic acetonitrile, and the extract is loaded onto a primary-secondary amine (PSA) column. The pesticide is eluted with acetone and determined by HPLC/UV. The PSA column was found to provide effective cleanup, removing the greatest number of sample matrix interferences. The acetonitrile extraction followed by the PSA cleanup provided recoveries of >95%, coefficients of variation (precision) of <10%, and sensitivity of 0.005 mg/kg, in agreement with the directives for method validation in residue analysis. The proposed method was successfully used to determine forchlorfenuron residue levels and dissipation rates in watermelon grown in an experimental greenhouse in Beijing, People's Republic of China.