Diagnostic detection systems and QuEChERS methods for multiclass pesticide analyses in different types of fruits: An overview from the last decade

Abstract

This manuscript is a bibliographic review about analyses of different classes of pesticide in fruits using QuEChERS as sample preparation methodology. The aim is to clarify different trends and facilitate decision-making by the scientific community in order to carry out further studies in this field. It is well known that different countries have different pesticides regulations for maximum level of pesticide residue permitted. The comparative analysis amongst the main producer countries reveals that for some fruits they are not studied enough. Recent improvements to QuEChERS make it possible to minimize the pesticides instability due the matrix pH, and achieving cleaner extracts. Regarding the detection systems, the tandem MS are preferred once they have high sensitivity and selectivity, although traditional techniques (GC-ECD and HPLC-DAD) are still commonly used due to their accessibility and good sensitivity to some pesticides. Also, studies involving metabolites usually show that they are more toxic than their precursor compounds.

Keywords: Detection method; Fruit; Pesticide class; QuEChERS.