Confirmation and quantification of pesticide residues by mass spectrometry

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Abstract
The sensitivity and specificity of mass spectrometry makes this an attractive technique for the confirmation and quantification of trace levels of pesticide residues. Two applications of mass spectrometry are outlined, that of combined headspace gas chromatography (g.c.)/mass spectrometry (m.s.), for the analysis of volatile fumigants such as ethylene dibromide (EDB) in imported fruits and multi‐residue halogenated compounds in bran products, and that of quantitative g.c./m.s. for the determination of a range of organochlorine pesticide residues. The approach to setting‐up a capillary g.c. multiple ion monitoring programme is described, with emphasis on quantitative aspects, and in particular the use of stable isotope internal standards. This is illustrated with an example of the quantification of organochlorine pesticide residues in eggs.