Pesticides Analysis in Complex Matrices using ASAP-MS

1:Introduction

Pesticides Introduced into the Environment

Testing Options to monitor and detect pesticide levels

Current Methods: Chromatography and Immunoassays

Lengthy sample prep for complex matrices and analysis

Lengthy sample analysis

Sample prep and analysis confined to a laboratory setting

Limited testing methods available

Specialist training required

My Research: Atmospheric Solids Analysis Probe - Mass Spectrometry (ASAP-MS) 

Minimal analysis time

Minimal sample prep with a glass rod

No specialist training required

Option for on-site analysis

Sustainable option for pesticide detection 

Uses solid phase micro-extraction (SPME) for sensitivity

The aim is to develop a rapid, discriminatory, and sustainable method for pesticide detection in complex matrices using ASAP-MS.

2:Experimental

Pesticides used with chemical structure and pesticide categories

4.1:Conclusion

Glass ASAP-MS and SPME-ASAP-MS are sustainable and portable methods. 

Glass Rod-ASAP-MS:

Limited sensitivity (higher than 1ppm)

Selected pesticides can be analysed

Not recommended to be reused

SPME-ASAP-MS

Improved sensitivity (down to 1 ppt)

A range of pesticides can be analysed

Fibres are reusable 

4.2: Future Work

Optimise the SPME method to reduce the sample preparation time

Optimise method for multi-pesticide standards, pesticide metabolites, and water as the matrix.

Optimise method for other complex matrices i.e. pesticide formulations, blood, honey and beeswax