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Simultaneous analysis of endosulfan, chlorpyrifos, and their metabolites in natural soil and water samples using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

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Abstract

Analysis of endosulfan, chlorpyrifos, and their nonpolar metabolites in extracts from environmental aqueous and soil samples was performed using a gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS) technique. Full-scan GC–MS analysis showed poor sensitivity for some of the metabolites (endodiol and endosulfan ether). A multisegment MS/MS method was developed and MS/MS parameter isolation time, excitation time, excitation voltage, and maximum excitation energy were optimized for chosen precursor ions to enhance selectivity and sensitivity of the analysis. The use of MS/MS with optimized parameters quantified analytes with significantly higher accuracy, and detection limits were lowered to ~1/6th compared with the full-scan method. Co-eluting compounds, chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos oxon, were also analyzed successfully in the MS/MS mode by choosing exclusive precursor ions. Analysis of soil and water phase samples from contaminated soil slurry bioreactors showed that the MS/MS method could provide more reliable estimates of these pesticide and metabolites (especially those present in low concentrations) by annulling interferences from soil organic matter.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, 208016, India

    Manoj K. Tiwari & Saumyen Guha

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  1. Manoj K. Tiwari
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  2. Saumyen Guha
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Correspondence to Manoj K. Tiwari.

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Tiwari, M.K., Guha, S. Simultaneous analysis of endosulfan, chlorpyrifos, and their metabolites in natural soil and water samples using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Environ Monit Assess 185, 8451–8463 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-013-3186-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-013-3186-3

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