Determination of Monensin Sodium Residues in Beef Liver Tissue by Liquid Chromatography of a Fluorescent Derivative

Abstract
Monensin sodium does not have an ultraviolet (UV) absorbance above 220 nm, and therefore cannot be detected by liquid chromatography (LC) with a UV detector. A method was developed in which monensin residues are extracted from beef liver tissue, acetylated, partitioned, and reacted with 9-anthryldiazomethane to form a fluorescent derivative for quantitation by LC. The reliable level of sensitivity is 50 ppb, but 15 pjib can be detected. Recoveries ranged between 71 and 96% with an average of 83.5%.