Multi-residue method for the analysis of pesticides in Arabica coffee using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry

Abstract

Coffee is a major tropical agricultural commodity and represents a significant fraction of the economy of many countries. However, certain plant and animal species can damage coffee crops, affecting trade. A solution to this issue is the use of pesticides, some of which are harmful to human health and the environment. This work consisted of the development of a multi-residue method for the analysis of pesticides in coffee by using LC-MS/MS. The QuEChERS extraction procedure was used. The following analytical parameters were optimised: selectivity, analytical range, linearity, LOD, LOQ, precision (RSD%) and recovery of the method. The results showed that the method is selective, as they were linear in the range of 10.0–100.0 µg kg⁻¹. The sensitivity, recovery and precision were adequate for the multi-residue analysis of pesticides in coffee. The method was applied to the analyses of 15 Brazilian coffee samples.

Keywords:

• multi-residue pesticides
• coffee
• QuEChERS
• LC/MS/MS

Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge the Brazilian Ministry of Science and Technology (MCT); the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply (MAPA); the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq); and the Foundation of Research of Minas Gerais (FAPEMIG) of Brazil for funding this research.