Author(s)

C. Rimayi, F. Mtunzi, C. V. Wyk & D. Odusanya

Abstract

An automated solid phase extraction (SPE) method coupled to GC-MS method for the analysis of selected organochlorine pesticides was developed and validated for the purposes of studying the matrix effects. The analytical method showed a significant degree of validity when tested against parameters such as linearity, repeatability and sensitivity. Four different reversed sorbent phases, including a Supelco LC18, Strata C18- E and Strata-X (styrene divinyl benzene) were tested for organochlorine extraction efficiency. The LC-18 proved to be the most robust and effective sorbent phase as it produced better recoveries varying from 90-130% for most analytes. It was then concluded that the method developed was suitable for further research towards the influence of the matrix on selective determination of the selected organochlorine pesticides. Keywords: solid phase extraction (SPE), organochlorine pesticides, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). 1 Introduction In order to fully understand the principles behind the matrix effects in GC-MS analysis, it is of paramount importance to develop a robust and rugged validated analytical method that shows a high degree of specificity for each particular

Keywords

solid phase extraction (SPE), organochlorine pesticides, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)