Name: analysis of organochlorine pesticides in a soil sample by a modified quechers approach using ammonium formate
Uploaded: 2023-01-20T14:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Analysis of Organochlorine Pesticides in a Soil Sample by a Modified QuEChERS Approach Using Ammonium Formate at JoVE.com

I would like to thank Javier Hern&#225;ndez-Borges and Cecilia Ortega-Zamora for their invaluable support. I also want to thank the Universidad EAN and the Universidad de La Laguna.

1. Preparation of the stock solutions
NOTE: It is recommended to wear nitrile gloves, a lab coat, and safety glasses during the entire protocol.
<ol>
	<li>Prepare a stock solution in acetone at 400 mg/L from a commercial mix of OCPs (see Table of Materials) at 2,000 mg/L in hexane:toluene (1:1) in a 25 mL volumetric flask. Table 1 shows each of the selected OCPs.</li>
	<li>Prepare the subsequent stock solutions in acetone at concentrations o...

<ol>
	<li>Sabzevari, S., Hofman, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+worldwide+review+of+currently+used+pesticides'+monitoring+in+agricultural+soils.">A worldwide review of currently used pesticides' monitoring in agricultural soils.</a> Science of The Total Environment. 812, 152344 (2022).</li><li>Tzanetou, E. N., Karasali, H. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Comprehensive+review+of+organochlorine+pesticide+monitoring+in+agricultural+soils:+The+silent+threat+of+a+conventional+agricultural+past.">Comprehensive review of organochlorine pesticide monitoring in agricultural soils: The silent threat of a conventional agricultural past.</a> Agriculture. 12 (5), 728 (2022).</li><li>Farenhorst, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Importance+of+soil+organic+matter+fractions+in+soil-landscape+and+regional+assessments+of+pesticide+sorption+and+leaching+in+soil.">Importance of soil organic matter fractions in soil-landscape and regional assessments of pesticide sorption and leaching in soil.</a> Soil Science Society of America Journal. 70 (3), 1005-1012 (2006).</li><li>Silva, V., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Pesticide+residues+in+European+agricultural+soils+-+A+hidden+reality+unfolded.">Pesticide residues in European agricultural soils - A hidden reality unfolded.</a> Science of The Total Environment. 653, 1532-1545 (2019).</li><li>Vischetti, C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Sub-lethal+effects+of+pesticides+on+the+DNA+of+soil+organisms+as+early+ecotoxicological+biomarkers.">Sub-lethal effects of pesticides on the DNA of soil organisms as early ecotoxicological biomarkers.</a> Frontiers in Microbiology. 11, 1892 (2020).</li><li>Alengebawy, A., Abdelkhalek, S. T., Qureshi, S. R., Wang, M. -. Q. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Heavy+metals+and+pesticides+toxicity+in+agricultural+soil+and+plants:+Ecological+risks+and+human+health+implications.">Heavy metals and pesticides toxicity in agricultural soil and plants: Ecological risks and human health implications.</a> Toxics. 9 (3), 42 (2021).</li><li>Zikankuba, V. L., Mwanyika, G., Ntwenya, J. E., James, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Pesticide+regulations+and+their+malpractice+implications+on+food+and+environment+safety.">Pesticide regulations and their malpractice implications on food and environment safety.</a> Cogent Food &amp; Agriculture. 5 (1), 1601544 (2019).</li><li>Varela-Mart&#237;nez, D. A., Gonz&#225;lez-S&#225;lamo, J., Gonz&#225;lez-Curbelo, M. &. #. 1. 9. 3. ;., Hern&#225;ndez-Borges, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Quick,+Easy,+Cheap,+Effective,+Rugged+and+Safe+(QuEChERS)+extraction.">Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) extraction.</a> Handbooks in Separation Science. , 399-437 (2020).</li><li>Anastassiades, M., Lehotay, S. J., &#352;tajnbaher, D., Schenck, F. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Fast+and+easy+multiresidue+method+employing+acetonitrile+extraction/partitioning+and+&amp;#34;dispersive+solid-phase+extraction&amp;#34;+for+the+determination+of+pesticide+residues+in+produce.">Fast and easy multiresidue method employing acetonitrile extraction/partitioning and &amp;#34;dispersive solid-phase extraction&amp;#34; for the determination of pesticide residues in produce.</a> Journal of AOAC International. 86 (2), 412-431 (2003).</li><li>Gonz&#225;lez-Curbelo, M. &. #. 1. 9. 3. ;., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Evolution+and+applications+of+the+QuEChERS+method.">Evolution and applications of the QuEChERS method.</a> Trends in Analytical Chemistry. 71, 169-185 (2015).</li><li>European Union. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=European+Regulation+(EC)+NO+396/2005+of+the+European+Parliament+and+of+the+Council+of+23+February+2005+on+maximum+residue+levels+of+pesticides+in+or+on+food+and+feed+of+plant+and+animal+origin+and+amending+Council+Directive+91/414/EEC.">European Regulation (EC) NO 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 February 2005 on maximum residue levels of pesticides in or on food and feed of plant and animal origin and amending Council Directive 91/414/EEC.</a> Official Journal of the European Union. 70, 1-16 (2005).</li><li>Kwon, H., Lehotay, S. J., Geis-Asteggiante, L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Variability+of+matrix+effects+in+liquid+and+gas+chromatography-mass+spectrometry+analysis+of+pesticide+residues+after+QuEChERS+sample+preparation+of+different+food+crops.">Variability of matrix effects in liquid and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of pesticide residues after QuEChERS sample preparation of different food crops.</a> Journal of Chromatography A. 1270, 235-245 (2012).</li><li>Lehotay, S. J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Determination+of+pesticide+residues+in+foods+by+acetonitrile+extraction+and+partitioning+with+magnesium+sulfate:+Collaborative+study.">Determination of pesticide residues in foods by acetonitrile extraction and partitioning with magnesium sulfate: Collaborative study.</a> Journal of AOAC International. 90 (2), 485-520 (2007).</li><li>European Committee for Standardization (CEN). <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Standard+Method+EN+15662.+Food+of+plant+origin-Determination+of+pesticide+residues+using+GC-MS+and/or+LC-MS/MS+following+acetonitrile+extraction/partitioning+and+clean-up+by+dispersive+SPE-QuEChERS+method.">Standard Method EN 15662. Food of plant origin-Determination of pesticide residues using GC-MS and/or LC-MS/MS following acetonitrile extraction/partitioning and clean-up by dispersive SPE-QuEChERS method.</a> European Committee for Standardization. , (2008).</li><li>Gonz&#225;lez-Curbelo, M. &. #. 1. 9. 3. ;., Lehotay, S. J., Hern&#225;ndez-Borges, J., Rodr&#237;guez-Delgado, M. &. #. 1. 9. 3. ;. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Use+of+ammonium+formate+in+QuEChERS+for+high-throughput+analysis+of+pesticides+in+food+by+fast,+low-pressure+gas+chromatography+and+liquid+chromatography+tandem+mass+spectrometry.">Use of ammonium formate in QuEChERS for high-throughput analysis of pesticides in food by fast, low-pressure gas chromatography and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.</a> Journal of Chromatography A. 1358, 75-84 (2014).</li><li>Han, L., Sapozhnikova, Y., Lehotay, S. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Method+validation+for+243+pesticides+and+environmental+contaminants+in+meats+and+poultry+by+tandem+mass+spectrometry+coupled+to+low-pressure+gas+chromatography+and+ultrahigh-performance+liquid+chromatography.">Method validation for 243 pesticides and environmental contaminants in meats and poultry by tandem mass spectrometry coupled to low-pressure gas chromatography and ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography.</a> Food Control. 66, 270-282 (2016).</li><li>Lehotay, S. J., Han, L., Sapozhnikova, Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Automated+mini-column+solid-phase+extraction+clean-up+for+high-throughput+analysis+of+chemical+contaminants+in+foods+by+low-pressure+gas+chromatography-tandem+mass+spectrometry.">Automated mini-column solid-phase extraction clean-up for high-throughput analysis of chemical contaminants in foods by low-pressure gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.</a> Chromatographia. 79 (17), 1113-1130 (2016).</li><li>Lehotay, S. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Possibilities+and+limitations+of+isocratic+fast+liquid+chromatography-tandem+mass+spectrometry+analysis+of+pesticide+residues+in+fruits+and+vegetables.">Possibilities and limitations of isocratic fast liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables.</a> Chromatographia. 82 (1), 235-250 (2019).</li><li>Han, L., Matarrita, J., Sapozhnikova, Y., Lehotay, S. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Evaluation+of+a+recent+product+to+remove+lipids+and+other+matrix+co-extractives+in+the+analysis+of+pesticide+residues+and+environmental+contaminants+in+foods.">Evaluation of a recent product to remove lipids and other matrix co-extractives in the analysis of pesticide residues and environmental contaminants in foods.</a> Journal of Chromatography A. 1449, 17-29 (2016).</li><li>Varela-Mart&#237;nez, D. A., Gonz&#225;lez-Curbelo, M. &. #. 1. 9. 3. ;., Gonz&#225;lez-S&#225;lamo, J., Hern&#225;ndez-Borges, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Analysis+of+pesticides+in+cherimoya+and+gulupa+minor+tropical+fruits+using+AOAC+2007.1+and+ammonium+formate+QuEChERS+versions:+A+comparative+study.">Analysis of pesticides in cherimoya and gulupa minor tropical fruits using AOAC 2007.1 and ammonium formate QuEChERS versions: A comparative study.</a> Microchemical Journal. 157, 104950 (2020).</li><li>Gonz&#225;lez-Curbelo, M. &. #. 1. 9. 3. ;., Varela-Mart&#237;nez, D. A., Ria&#241;o-Herrera, D. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Pesticide-residue+analysis+in+soils+by+the+QuEChERS+method:+A+review.">Pesticide-residue analysis in soils by the QuEChERS method: A review.</a> Molecules. 27 (13), 4323 (2022).</li><li>Anastassiades, M., Ma&#353;tovsk&#225;, K., Lehotay, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Evaluation+of+analyte+protectants+to+improve+gas+chromatographic+analysis+of+pesticides.">Evaluation of analyte protectants to improve gas chromatographic analysis of pesticides.</a> Journal of Chromatography A. 1015 (1-2), 163-184 (2003).</li><li>Ma&#353;tovsk&#225;, K., Lehotay, S., Anastassiades, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Combination+of+analyte+protectants+to+overcome+matrix+effects+in+routine+GC+analysis+of+pesticide+residues+in+food+matrixes.">Combination of analyte protectants to overcome matrix effects in routine GC analysis of pesticide residues in food matrixes.</a> Analytical Chemistry. 77 (24), 8129-8137 (2005).</li><li>Rahman, M., Abd El-Aty, A., Shim, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Matrix+enhancement+effect:+A+blessing+or+a+curse+for+gas+chromatography?+-+A+review.">Matrix enhancement effect: A blessing or a curse for gas chromatography? - A review.</a> Analytica Chimica Acta. 801, 14-21 (2013).</li><li>Rouvire, F., Bulet&#233;, A., Cren-Oliv&#233;, C., Arnaudguilhem, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Multiresidue+analysis+of+aromatic+organochlorines+in+soil+by+gas+chromatography-mass+spectrometry+and+QuEChERS+extraction+based+on+water/dichloromethane+partitioning.+Comparison+with+accelerated+solvent+extraction.">Multiresidue analysis of aromatic organochlorines in soil by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and QuEChERS extraction based on water/dichloromethane partitioning. Comparison with accelerated solvent extraction.</a> Talanta. 93, 336-344 (2012).</li><li>Lesueur, C., Gartner, M., Mentler, A., Fuerhacker, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Comparison+of+four+extraction+methods+for+the+analysis+of+24+pesticides+in+soil+samples+with+gas+chromatography-mass+spectrometry+and+liquid+chromatography-ion+trap-mass+spectrometry.">Comparison of four extraction methods for the analysis of 24 pesticides in soil samples with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-ion trap-mass spectrometry.</a> Talanta. 75 (1), 284-293 (2008).</li><li>&#208;urovi&#263;-Pej&#269;ev, R. D., Bursi&#263;, V. P., Zeremski, T. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Comparison+of+QuEChERS+with+traditional+sample+preparation+methods+in+the+determination+of+multiclass+pesticides+in+soil.">Comparison of QuEChERS with traditional sample preparation methods in the determination of multiclass pesticides in soil.</a> Journal of AOAC International. 102 (1), 46-51 (2019).</li><li>European Commission. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=SANTE/11312/2021.+Guidance+document+on+analytical+quality+control+and+method+validation+procedures+for+pesticide+residues+analysis+in+food+and+feed.">SANTE/11312/2021. Guidance document on analytical quality control and method validation procedures for pesticide residues analysis in food and feed.</a> European Commission. , (2021).</li></ol>

The original9 and the two official versions13,14 of the QuEChERS method use magnesium sulfate together with sodium chloride, acetate, or citrate salts to promote acetonitrile/water mixture separation during extraction. However, these salts tend to be deposited as solids on the surfaces in the mass spectrometry (MS) source, which causes the need for increased maintenance of liquid chromatography (LC)-MS-based methods. In terms of overcoming...

The need to increase food production has led to the intensive and widespread use of pesticides worldwide over the last few decades. Pesticides are applied to the crops to protect them from pests and increase crop yields, but their residues usually end up in the soil environment, especially in agricultural areas1. Furthermore, some pesticides, such as organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), have a very stable structure, so their residues do not decompose easily and persist in the soil for a long time2. Generally, the soil has a high capacity to accumulate pesticide residues, especially when it has a high content of organic matter3. As a result, the soil is one of the environmental compartments most contaminated by pesticide residues. As an example, one of the complete studies to date found that 83% of 317 agricultural soils from across the European Union were contaminated with one or more pesticide residues4. 
Soil pollution by pesticide residues may affect non-target species, soil function, and consumer health through the food chain because of the high toxicity of the residues5,6. Consequently, the evaluation of pesticide residues in soils is essential to assess their potential negative effects on the environment and human health, particularly in developing countries due to a lack of strict regulations on the use of pesticides7. This makes pesticide multi-residue analysis increasingly important. However, the rapid and accurate analysis of pesticide residues in soils is a difficult challenge due to the large number of interfering substances, as well as the low concentration level and the diverse physicochemical properties of these analytes4. 
Of all the pesticide residue analysis methods, the QuEChERS method has become the quickest, easiest, cheapest, most effective, robust, and safest option8. The QuEChERS method involves two steps. In the first step, a microscale extraction based on partitioning via salting-out between an aqueous and an acetonitrile layer is performed. In the second step, a cleaning process is carried out employing a dispersive solid phase extraction (dSPE); this technique uses small amounts of several combinations of porous sorbents to remove matrix-interfering components and overcomes the disadvantages of conventional SPE9. Hence, the QuEChERS is an environmentally friendly approach with little solvent/chemical going to waste that provides very accurate results and minimizes potential sources of random and systematic errors. In fact, it has been successfully applied for the high-throughput routine analysis of hundreds of pesticides, with strong applicability in almost all types of environmental, agri-food, and biological samples8,10. This work aims to apply and validate a new modification of the QuEChERS method that was previously developed and coupled to GC-MS to analyze OCPs in agricultural soil.

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	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>15 mL disposable glass conical centrifuge tubes</td>
			<td>PYREX</td>
			<td>99502-15</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2 mL centrifuge tubes</td>
			<td>Eppendorf</td>
			<td>30120094</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>50 mL centrifuge tubes with screw caps</td>
			<td>VWR</td>
			<td>21008-169</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>5977B mass-selective detector</td>
			<td>Agilent Technologies</td>
			<td>1617R019</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>7820A gas chromatography system</td>
			<td>Agilent Technologies</td>
			<td>16162016</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Acetone</td>
			<td>Supelco</td>
			<td>1006582500</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Acetonitrile</td>
			<td>VWR</td>
			<td>83642320</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ammonium formate</td>
			<td>VWR</td>
			<td>21254260</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Automatic shaker KS 3000 i control</td>
			<td>IKA</td>
			<td>3940000</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Balance</td>
			<td>Sartorius Lab Instruments Gmbh &#38; Co</td>
			<td>ENTRIS224I-1S</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Bondesil-C18, 40 &#181;m</td>
			<td>Agilent Technologies</td>
			<td>12213012</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Bondesil-PSA, 40 &#181;m</td>
			<td>Agilent Technologies</td>
			<td>12213024</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cyclohexane</td>
			<td>VWR</td>
			<td>85385320</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>EPA TCL pesticides mix</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td>48913</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ethyl acetate</td>
			<td>Supelco</td>
			<td>1036492500</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>G4567A automatic sampler</td>
			<td>Agilent Technologies</td>
			<td>19490057</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>HP-5ms Ultra Inert (5%-phenyl)-methylpolysiloxane 30 m x 250 &#181;m x 0.25 &#181;m column</td>
			<td>Agilent Technologies</td>
			<td>19091S-433UI</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Magnesium sulfate monohydrate</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td>434183-1KG</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Mega Star 3.R centrifuge</td>
			<td>VWR</td>
			<td>521-1752</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Milli-Q gradient A10</td>
			<td>Millipore</td>
			<td>RR400Q101</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>p,p&#39;-DDE-d8</td>
			<td>Dr Ehrenstorfer</td>
			<td>DRE-XA12041100AC</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Pipette tips 2 - 200 &#181;L</td>
			<td>BRAND</td>
			<td>732008</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Pipette tips 5 mL</td>
			<td>BRAND</td>
			<td>702595</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Pipette tips 50 - 1000 uL</td>
			<td>BRAND</td>
			<td>732012</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Pippette Transferpette S variabel 10 - 100 &#181;L</td>
			<td>BRAND</td>
			<td>704774</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Pippette Transferpette S variabel 100 - 1000 &#181;L</td>
			<td>BRAND</td>
			<td>704780</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Pippette Transferpette S variabel 20 - 200 &#181;L</td>
			<td>BRAND</td>
			<td>704778</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Pippette Transferpette S variabel 500 - 5000 &#181;L</td>
			<td>BRAND</td>
			<td>704782</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vials with fused-in insert</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td>29398-U</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>OCPs</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>CAS registry number</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&#945;-BHC</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>319-84-6</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&#946;-BHC</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>319-85-7</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Lindane</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>58-89-9</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&#948;-BHC</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>319-86-8</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Heptachlor</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>76-44-8</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Aldrin</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>309-00-2</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Heptachlor epoxide</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>1024-57-3</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&#945;-Endosulfan</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>959-98-8</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>4,4&#39;-DDE-d8 (IS)</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>93952-19-3</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>4,4&#39;-DDE</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>72-55-9</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dieldrin</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>60-57-1</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Endrin</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>72-20-8</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&#946;-Endosulfan</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>33213-65-9</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>4,4&#39;-DDD</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>72-54-8</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Endosulfan sulfate</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>1031-07-8</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>4,4&#39;-DDT</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>50-29-3</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Endrin ketone</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>53494-70-5</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Methoxychlor</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>72-43-5</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

analysis of organochlorine pesticides in a soil sample by a modified quechers approach using ammonium formate

Currently, the QuEChERS method represents the most widely used sample preparation protocol worldwide for analyzing pesticide residues in a broad variety of matrices both in official and non-official laboratories. The QuEChERS method using ammonium formate has previously proven to be advantageous compared to the original and the two official versions. On the one hand, the simple addition of 0.5 g of ammonium formate per gram of sample is sufficient to induce phase separation and achieve good analytical performance. On the other hand, ammonium formate reduces the need for maintenance in routine analyses. Here, a modified QuEChERS method using ammonium formate was applied for the simultaneous analysis of organochlorine pesticide (OCP) residues in agricultural soil. Specifically, 10 g of the sample was hydrated with 10 mL of water and then extracted with 10 mL of acetonitrile. Next, phase separation was carried out using 5 g of ammonium formate. After centrifugation, the supernatant was subjected to a dispersive solid-phase extraction clean-up step with anhydrous magnesium sulfate, primary-secondary amine, and octadecylsilane. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used as the analytical technique. The QuEChERS method using ammonium formate is demonstrated as a successful alternative for extracting OCP residues from a soil sample.

The full validation of the analytical method was performed in terms of linearity, matrix effects, recovery, and repeatability.
Matrix-matched calibration curves with spiked blank samples at six concentration levels (5 &#181;g/kg, 10 &#181;g/kg, 50 &#181;g/kg, 100 &#181;g/kg, 200 &#181;g/kg, and 400 &#181;g/kg) were used for the linearity assessment. The determination coefficients (R2) were higher than or equal to 0.99 for all the OCPs. The lowest calibration level (LCL) was set at 5...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Analysis of Organochlorine Pesticides in a Soil Sample by a Modified QuEChERS Approach Using Ammonium Formate at JoVE.com

Analysis of Organochlorine Pesticides in a Soil Sample by a Modified QuEChERS Approach Using Ammonium Formate

The present protocol describes the utilization of ammonium formate for phase partitioning in QuEChERS, together with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, to successfully determine organochlorine pesticide residues in a soil sample.

Currently, the QuEChERS method represents the most widely used sample preparation protocol worldwide for analyzing pesticide residues in a broad variety ...

The QuEChERS method using ammonium formate is a successful alternative to the original, as well as the two official versions for extracting organochlorine pesticides from soil samples. The addition of just 0.5 grams of ammonium formate per gram of sample is sufficient to induce phase separation between the water and acetonitrile layers and achieve good analytical performance. To begin the sample preparation, weigh 10 grams of the soil sample in a 50-milliliter centrifuge tube.Add 50 microliters of the internal standard, or IS, solution, having a concentration of 20 milligrams per liter, to the soil sample to obtain 100 micrograms of IS per kilogram of soil. Add 10 milliliters of water, and shake the tube using an automated shaker at 10 g for five minutes. Then, add 10 milliliters of acetonitrile, and shake the tube at 10 g for five minutes.Next, add five grams of ammonium formate, and shake the tube vigorously by hand for one minute before centrifuging it at 1800 g for five minutes. For cleanup, by dispersive solid-phase extraction, transfer one milliliter of the acetonitrile extract into the centrifuge tube containing anhydrous magnesium sulfate, primary secondary amine, and octadecylsilane. Vortex the tube for 30 seconds, and centrifuge it at 1800 g for five minutes.After centrifugation, transfer 200 microliters of the extract to an appropriately labeled autosampler vial, fitted with a 300-milliliter fused insert, and perform an instrumental analysis using a GC/MS system. Inject 1.5 microliters of the sample in a GC/MS system with a single quadrupole mass spectrometer using an autosampler at 280 degrees Celsius in the splitless mode. The matrix effect distributions for the organochlorine pesticides, or OCPs, studied showed both positive matrix effect percentages corresponding to a signal enhancement, as well as negative percentages corresponding to signal suppression.Values ranging between minus 20 to 20%indicated a soft matrix effect, while those between minus 20 to minus 50%and between 20 to 50%corresponded to a medium matrix effect. A strong matrix effect was indicated by percentage values higher than 50 or lower than minus 50. Evaluating the overall recovery for all the pesticides at different spiking levels revealed that most of the studied OCPs had average recovery percentages of 70 to 120%and relative standard deviation, or RSD, values lower than 20%However, heptachlor, endrin, and beta-endosulfan possessed slightly higher average recoveries.This alternative may be used for the analysis of pesticides by LC-MS, which would be even more interesting since ammonium formate is an aid for ionization in positive electrospray ionization.

analysis-organochlorine-pesticides-soil-sample-modified-quechers

Research

JoVE Journal

Chemistry

Untargeted Metabolomics from Biological Sources Using Ultraperformance Liquid Chromatography-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-HRMS)

Here we present a workflow to analyze the metabolic profiles for biological samples of interest including; cells, serum, or tissue. The sample is first separated into polar and non-polar fractions by a liquid-liquid phase extraction, and partially purified to facilitate downstream analysis. Both aqueous (polar metabolites) and organic (non-polar metabolites) phases of the initial extraction are processed to survey a broad range of metabolites. Metabolites are separated by different liquid chromatography methods based upon their partition properties. In this method, we present microflow ultra-performance (UP)LC methods, but the protocol is scalable to higher flows and lower pressures. Introduction into the mass spectrometer can be through either general or compound optimized source conditions. Detection of a broad range of ions is carried out in full scan mode in both positive and negative mode over a broad m/z range using high resolution on a recently calibrated instrument. Label-free differential analysis is carried out on bioinformatics platforms. Applications of this approach include metabolic pathway screening, biomarker discovery, and drug development.

Untargeted Metabolomics from Biological Sources Using Ultraperformance Liquid Chromatography-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry UPLC-HRMS

Untargeted metabolomics provides a hypothesis generating snapshot of a metabolic profile. This protocol will demonstrate the extraction and analysis of metabolites from cells, serum, or tissue. A range of metabolites are surveyed using liquid-liquid phase extraction, microflow ultraperformance liquid chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-HRMS) coupled to differential analysis software.

Here we present a workflow to analyze the metabolic profiles for biological samples of interest including; cells, serum, or tissue. The sample is first ...

Covalent Binding of BMP-2 on Surfaces Using a Self-assembled Monolayer Approach

Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) is a growth factor embedded in the extracellular matrix of bone tissue. BMP-2 acts as trigger of mesenchymal cell differentiation into osteoblasts, thus stimulating healing and de novo bone formation. The clinical use of recombinant human BMP-2 (rhBMP-2) in conjunction with scaffolds has raised recent controversies, based on the mode of presentation and the amount to be delivered. The protocol presented here provides a simple and efficient way to deliver BMP-2 for in vitro studies on cells. We describe how to form a self-assembled monolayer consisting of a heterobifunctional linker, and show the subsequent binding step to obtain covalent immobilization of rhBMP-2. With this approach it is possible to achieve a sustained presentation of BMP-2 while maintaining the biological activity of the protein. In fact, the surface immobilization of BMP-2 allows targeted investigations by preventing unspecific adsorption, while reducing the amount of growth factor and, most notably, hindering uncontrolled release from the surface. Both short- and long-term signaling events triggered by BMP-2 are taking place when cells are exposed to surfaces presenting covalently immobilized rhBMP-2, making this approach suitable for in vitro studies on cell responses to BMP-2 stimulation.

We describe a method for accomplishing efficient immobilization of BMP-2 on surfaces. Our approach is based on the formation of a self-assembled monolayer to achieve the covalent binding of BMP-2 via its free amine residues. This method is a useful tool to study signaling at the cell membrane.

Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) is a growth factor embedded in the extracellular matrix of bone tissue. BMP-2 acts as trigger of mesenchymal cell ...

Dependence of Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Results on Pulse Energies and Timing Parameters Using Soil Simulants

The dependence of some LIBS detection capabilities on lower pulse energies (&lt;100 mJ) and timing parameters were examined using synthetic silicate samples. These samples were used as simulants for soil and contained minor and trace elements commonly found in soil at a wide range of concentrations. For this study, over 100 calibration curves were prepared using different pulse energies and timing parameters; detection limits and sensitivities were determined from the calibration curves. Plasma temperatures were also measured using Boltzmann plots for the various energies and the timing parameters tested. The electron density of the plasma was calculated using the full-width half maximum (FWHM) of the hydrogen line at 656.5 nm over the energies tested. Overall, the results indicate that the use of lower pulse energies and non-gated detection do not seriously compromise the analytical results. These results are very relevant to the design of field- and person-portable LIBS instruments.

LIBS detection capabilities on soil simulants were tested using a range of pulse energies and timing parameters. Calibration curves were used to determine detection limits and sensitivities for different parameters. Generally, the results showed that there was not a significant reduction in detection capabilities using lower pulse energies and non-gated detection.

The  dependence of some LIBS detection capabilities on lower pulse energies (&lt;100  mJ) and timing parameters were examined using synthetic silicate ...

An Inverse Analysis Approach to the Characterization of Chemical Transport in Paints

The ability to directly characterize chemical transport and interactions that occur within a material (i.e., subsurface dynamics) is a vital component in understanding contaminant mass transport and the ability to decontaminate materials. If a material is contaminated, over time, the transport of highly toxic chemicals (such as chemical warfare agent species) out of the material can result in vapor exposure or transfer to the skin, which can result in percutaneous exposure to personnel who interact with the material. Due to the high toxicity of chemical warfare agents, the release of trace chemical quantities is of significant concern. Mapping subsurface concentration distribution and transport characteristics of absorbed agents enables exposure hazards to be assessed in untested conditions. Furthermore, these tools can be used to characterize subsurface reaction dynamics to ultimately design improved decontaminants or decontamination procedures. To achieve this goal, an inverse analysis mass transport modeling approach was developed that utilizes time-resolved mass spectroscopy measurements of vapor emission from contaminated paint coatings as the input parameter for calculation of subsurface concentration profiles. Details are provided on sample preparation, including contaminant and material handling, the application of mass spectrometry for the measurement of emitted contaminant vapor, and the implementation of inverse analysis using a physics-based diffusion model to determine transport properties of live chemical warfare agents including distilled mustard (HD) and the nerve agent VX.

In this paper, a procedure for quantifying the mass transport parameters of chemicals in various materials is presented. This process involves employing an inverse-analysis based diffusion model to vapor emission profiles recorded by real-time, mass spectrometry in high vacuum.

The ability to directly characterize chemical transport and interactions that occur within a material (i.e., subsurface dynamics) is a vital component in ...

Electrochemically and Bioelectrochemically Induced Ammonium Recovery

Streams such as urine and manure can contain high levels of ammonium, which could be recovered for reuse in agriculture or chemistry. The extraction of ammonium from an ammonium-rich stream is demonstrated using an electrochemical and a bioelectrochemical system. Both systems are controlled by a potentiostat to either fix the current (for the electrochemical cell) or fix the potential of the working electrode (for the bioelectrochemical cell). In the bioelectrochemical cell, electroactive bacteria catalyze the anodic reaction, whereas in the electrochemical cell the potentiostat applies a higher voltage to produce a current. The current and consequent restoration of the charge balance across the cell allow the transport of cations, such as ammonium, across a cation exchange membrane from the anolyte to the catholyte. The high pH of the catholyte leads to formation of ammonia, which can be stripped from the medium and captured in an acid solution, thus enabling the recovery of a valuable nutrient. The flux of ammonium across the membrane is characterized at different anolyte ammonium concentrations and currents for both the abiotic and biotic reactor systems. Both systems are compared based on current and removal efficiencies for ammonium, as well as the energy input required to drive ammonium transfer across the cation exchange membrane. Finally, a comparative analysis considering key aspects such as reliability, electrode cost, and rate is made.
This video article and protocol provide the necessary information to conduct electrochemical and bioelectrochemical ammonia recovery experiments. The reactor setup for the two cases is explained, as well as the reactor operation. We elaborate on data analysis for both reactor types and on the advantages and disadvantages of bioelectrochemical and electrochemical systems.

We demonstrate the extraction of ammonium from an ammonium-rich stream using an electrochemical and a bioelectrochemical system. The reactor setup, operation and data analysis are discussed.

Streams such as urine and manure can contain high levels of ammonium, which could be recovered for reuse in agriculture or chemistry. The extraction of ...

Transport of Surface-modified Carbon Nanotubes through a Soil Column

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are widely manufactured nanoparticles, which are being utilized in a number of consumer products, such as sporting goods, electronics and biomedical applications. Due to their accelerating production and use, CNTs constitute a potential environmental risk if they are released to soil and groundwater systems. It is therefore essential to improve the current understanding of environmental fate and transport of CNTs. The transport and retention of CNTs in both natural and artificial media have been reported in literature, but the findings widely vary and are thus not conclusive. There are a number of physical and chemical parameters responsible for variation in retention and transport. In this study, a complete procedure of selected multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) is presented starting from their surface modification to a complete set of laboratory column experiments at critical physical and chemical scenarios. Results indicate that the stability of the commercially available MWCNTs are critical with their attached surface functional group which can also influence the transport and retention of MWCNT through the surrounding medium.

Surface properties of a nanoparticle are important for their interaction with the surrounding medium. Therefore the surface modification of carbon nanotubes can be critical for their transport and retention through porous media. Here, lab scale column experiments are used to understand the possible transport and retention of these nanoparticles.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are widely manufactured nanoparticles, which are being utilized in a number of consumer products, such as sporting goods, ...

Ethylene Polymerizations Using Parallel Pressure Reactors and a Kinetic Analysis of Chain Transfer Polymerization

We demonstrate a method for high-throughput catalyst screening using a parallel pressure reactor starting from the initial synthesis of a nickel &#945;-diimine ethylene polymerization catalyst. Initial polymerizations with the catalyst lead to optimized reaction conditions, including catalyst concentration, ethylene pressure and reaction time. Using gas-uptake data for these reactions, a procedure to calculate the initial rate of propagation (kp) is presented. Using the optimized conditions, the ability of the nickel &#945;-diimine polymerization catalyst to undergo chain transfer with diethylzinc (ZnEt2) during ethylene polymerization was investigated. A procedure to assess the ability of the catalyst to undergo chain transfer (from molecular weight and 13C NMR data), calculate the degree of chain transfer, and calculate chain transfer rates (ke) is presented.

A protocol for the high-throughput analysis of polymerization catalyst, chain transfer polymerizations, polyethylene characterization, and reaction kinetic analysis is presented.

We demonstrate a method for high-throughput catalyst screening using a parallel pressure reactor starting from the initial synthesis of a nickel ...

Construction and Systematical Symmetric Studies of a Series of Supramolecular Clusters with Binary or Ternary Ammonium Triphenylacetates

Functions of clusters in nano or sub-nano scale significantly depend on not only kinds of their components but also arrangements, or symmetry, of their components. Therefore, the arrangements in the clusters have been precisely characterized, especially for metal complexes. Contrary to this, characterizations of molecular arrangements in supramolecular clusters composed of organic molecules are limited to a few cases. This is because construction of the supramolecular clusters, especially obtaining a series of the supramolecular clusters, is difficult due to low stability of non-covalent bonds compare to covalent bonds. From this viewpoint, utilization of organic salts is one of the most useful strategies. A series of the supramolecules could be constructed by combinations of a specific organic molecule with various counter ions. Especially, primary ammonium carboxylates are suitable as typical examples of supramolecules because various kinds of carboxylic acids and primary amines are commercially available, and it is easy to change their combinations. Previously, it was demonstrated that primary ammonium triphenylacetates using various kinds of primary amines specifically construct supramolecular clusters, which are composed of four ammoniums and four triphenylacetates assembled by charge-assisted hydrogen bonds, in crystals obtained from non-polar solvents. This study demonstrates an application of the specific construction of the supramolecular clusters as a strategy to conduct systematical symmetric study for clarification of correlations between molecular arrangements in supramolecules and kinds and numbers of their components. In the same way with binary salts composed of triphenylacetates and one kind of primary ammoniums, ternary organic salts composed of triphenylacetates and two kinds of ammoniums construct the supramolecular clusters, affording a series of the supramolecular clusters with various kinds and numbers of the components.

This article describes construction of a series of hydrogen-bonding supramolecular clusters in crystals using primary ammonium triphenylacetates, which are recrystallized from non-polar solvents. This selective construction of the supramolecular clusters leads to effective systematical symmetric studies about a correlation between the supramolecular clusters and their components.

Functions of clusters in nano or sub-nano scale significantly depend on not only kinds of their components but also arrangements, or symmetry, of their ...

Glycan Node Analysis: A Bottom-up Approach to Glycomics

Synthesized in a non-template-driven process by enzymes called glycosyltransferases, glycans are key players in various significant intra- and extracellular events. Many pathological conditions, notably cancer, affect gene expression, which can in turn deregulate the relative abundance and activity levels of glycoside hydrolase and glycosyltransferase enzymes. Unique aberrant whole glycans resulting from deregulated glycosyltransferase(s) are often present in trace quantities within complex biofluids, making their detection difficult and sometimes stochastic. However, with proper sample preparation, one of the oldest forms of mass spectrometry (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, GC-MS) can routinely detect the collection of branch-point and linkage-specific monosaccharides ("glycan nodes") present in complex biofluids. Complementary to traditional top-down glycomics techniques, the approach discussed herein involves the collection and condensation of each constituent glycan node in a sample into a single independent analytical signal, which provides detailed structural and quantitative information about changes to the glycome as a whole and reveals potentially deregulated glycosyltransferases. Improvements to the permethylation and subsequent liquid/liquid extraction stages provided herein enhance reproducibility and overall yield by facilitating minimal exposure of permethylated glycans to alkaline aqueous conditions. Modifications to the acetylation stage further increase the extent of reaction and overall yield. Despite their reproducibility, the overall yields of N-acetylhexosamine (HexNAc) partially permethylated alditol acetates (PMAAs) are shown to be inherently lower than their expected theoretical value relative to hexose PMAAs. Calculating the ratio of the area under the extracted ion chromatogram (XIC) for each individual hexose PMAA (or HexNAc PMAA) to the sum of such XIC areas for all hexoses (or HexNAcs) provides a new normalization method that facilitates relative quantification of individual glycan nodes in a sample. Although presently constrained in terms of its absolute limits of detection, this method expedites the analysis of clinical biofluids and shows considerable promise as a complementary approach to traditional top-down glycomics.

This article presents an enhanced form of a novel bottom-up glycomics technique designed to analyze the pooled compositional profile of glycans in unfractionated biofluids through the chemical breakdown of glycans into their constituent linkage-specific monosaccharides for detection by GC-MS. Potential applications include early detection of cancer and other glycan-affective disorders.

Synthesized in a non-template-driven process by enzymes called glycosyltransferases, glycans are key players in various significant intra- and ...

Rapid High-throughput Species Identification of Botanical Material Using Direct Analysis in Real Time High Resolution Mass Spectrometry

We demonstrate that direct analysis in real time-high resolution mass spectrometry can be used to produce mass spectral profiles of botanical material, and that these chemical fingerprints can be used for plant species identification. The mass spectral data can be acquired rapidly and in a high throughput manner without the need for sample extraction, derivatization or pH adjustment steps. The use of this technique bypasses challenges presented by more conventional techniques including lengthy chromatography analysis times and resource intensive methods. The high throughput capabilities of the direct analysis in real time-high resolution mass spectrometry protocol, coupled with multivariate statistical analysis processing of the data, provide not only class characterization of plants, but also yield species and varietal information. Here, the technique is demonstrated with two psychoactive plant products, Mitragyna speciosa (Kratom) and Datura (Jimsonweed), which were subjected to direct analysis in real time-high resolution mass spectrometry followed by statistical analysis processing of the mass spectral data. The application of these tools in tandem enabled the plant materials to be rapidly identified at the level of variety and species.

A method for species identification of botanical material by direct analysis in real time-high resolution mass spectrometry and multivariate statistical analysis is presented.

We demonstrate that direct analysis in real time-high resolution mass spectrometry can be used to produce mass spectral profiles of botanical material, ...