Detection of residual pesticides on fruits and vegetables using Portability™ miniature mass spectrometer

Pesticides are used in a variety of different ways during the production of food. Ranging from preventing crop damage by insects, rodents and molds during growth to prolonging storage of food after harvest. Because of the frequent usage, the residual pesticides are often found in many agricultural products and their monitoring and control is an important step in achieving and maintaining overall food safety in the modern society.

Mass spectrometry in connection with different separation techniques currently represents the main analytical approach for determination of residual pesticides in food. Traditionally, samples need to be collected and send to a laboratory for analysis using techniques such as GC-MS or HPLC-MS, which are costly and time-consuming. In addition, the conventional mass spectrometry usually requires laborious sample pretreatment, which does not allow for immediate in-situ sample determination. Presented here is an application of Thermal Desorption ElectroSpray Ionization (TD-ESI) for pesticide screening coupled to a portable mass spectrometer.