Liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry: a powerful approach for the sensitive and rapid multiclass determination of pesticides and transformation products in water

In this paper we will show the results of our research on the direct simultaneous determination of multi-class pesticides and transformation products with different polarities and acid–base properties by applying an on-line trace enrichment coupled to the chromatographic system supplied with electrospray interface (SPE-LC-MS/MS method). The specific chromatographic separation allows the correct determination of almost fifty compounds (37 pesticides and 10 transformation products) using very low sample volume and very little sample handling. Recoveries between 70–120% were obtained for all compounds in drinking and groundwater, meanwhile in surface water 44 compounds were correctly quantified. Relative standard deviations lower than 15% were obtained for all compounds. Even at the lowest concentration level tested (25 ng L−1) 40 compounds presented satisfactory recoveries and repeatability. The use of methanol as organic modifier and the increase of injection volume are also studied. The applicability of the developed method to a monitoring programme is demonstrated by applying it to the analysis of hundreds of samples.