Analysis Methods for Pesticides

One method suitable for detecting as many pesticide substances as possible is the multi-method DFG S 19, which is one of the methods we use at PhytoLab. This is published internationally under DIN EN 12393 (determination of pesticide residues in low-fat foods), and in Germany in the set of methods in accordance with Section 64 of the German Food and Feed Code (LFGB) L-00.00-34. Using this method, we can test around 250 pesticides at the same time, even in highly complex matrices, such as dried herbs. One important complementary technique to this method is the LC-MS/MS multi-method (with upgrade QUECHERS), with which polar compounds can be detected particularly effectively.

Multi-methods:

1. Pesticide tests in accordance with DFG S19 (in accordance with L00.00-34, DIN EN 12393):

• Organophosphorus pesticides (GC-FPD)
• Organochlorine pesticides (GC-ECD)
• Pyrethroids (GC-ECD)
• Nitrogenous pesticides and other compounds (GC-MS)
• Other pesticides (GC-MS/MS)
• Fungicide active ingredients (“conazoles”, GC-MS)

2. Pesticide tests with LC-MS/MS (upgrade QUECHERS)

In addition, there are a number of mini-multi-methods or individual methods that we apply for certain groups of active ingredients or individual active ingredients:

• Phenyl ureas (GC-MS)
• Phenoxyalkanecarboxylic acids and other compounds (LC-MS/MS)
• Carbamates and other compounds (LC-MS/MS)
• Surface treatment agents (GC-MS/MS, LC-MS/MS)
• Polar organophosphorus compounds (LC-MS/MS)
• Pesticides from baby food directives 2003/13/EC and 2003/14/EC
• Fungicide active ingredients (“conazoles”, GC-MS)
• Pentachlorophenol and other chlorophenols and bromophenols (GC-MS)
• Dithiocarbamates (photometric)
• Bromide as a residue of fumigant methyl bromide (ICP-MS)
• Hydrogen phosphide (phosphine GC-FPD)
• Ethylene oxide and 2-chloroethanol (GC-ECD)
• Glyphosate and AMPA (GC-MS)
• Chlormequate and mepiquate (LC-MS/MS)
• Organotin compounds (LC-MS/MS)
• ETU and PTU