Development and validation of a method for simultaneous analysis of 513 pesticides in agricultural environments using LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS

Abstract

When cultivating crops, it's most important to avoid pesticide exposure directly on crops, yet equally crucial is managing residues within the agricultural environment. Pesticides remaining in the soil or irrigation water pose a risk of transferring to crops, such as rice, reducing crop quality. Similarly, pesticides present in cover bags used during fruit cultivation can also affect fruit quality. Therefore, effective management of pesticide residues in the agricultural environment is indispensable. In this study, a rigorous validation of the method for analyzing 513 components across various matrices using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) was performed. Matrices such as upland soil, paddy soil, irrigation water, fruit-cover bags, mushroom culture media, and rice plants (RP) were used. The method met CODEX guidelines and demonstrated selectivity for all but seven of the 513 components; chlorothalonil, foramsulfuron, methamidophos, nicosulfuron, spirotetramat-enol, triclopyr, and HEMA. By monitoring 423 samples, comprising 4 paddy soils, 365 upland soils, and 54 mushroom culture media, 52 pesticides were detected. Through measurement uncertainty and precise experiments, we have complied with relevant guidelines and ultimately contributed to creating a safer environment by strictly inspecting pesticides during cultivation and preventing environmental pollution. Through measurement uncertainty and precise experiments, relevant guidelines were followed, ultimately contributing to creating a safer environment by strictly testing pesticides during cultivation and preventing environmental pollution.