Direct Analysis and Quantification of Metaldehyde in Water using Reactive Paper Spray Mass Spectrometry.

ABSTRACT: Metaldehyde is extensively used worldwide as a contact and systemic molluscicide for controlling slugs and snails in a wide range of agricultural and horticultural crops. Contamination of surface waters due to run-off, coupled with its moderate solubility in water, has led to increased concentration of the pesticide in the environment. In this study, for the first time, rapid analysis (<~1?minute) of metaldehyde residues in water is demonstrated using paper spray mass spectrometry (PS-MS). The observed precursor molecular ions of metaldehyde were confirmed from tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) experiments by studying the fragmentation patterns produced via collision-induced dissociation. The signal intensity ratios of the most abundant MS/MS transitions for metaldehyde (177???149 for protonated ion) and atrazine (221???179) were found to be linear in the range 0.01 to 5?ng/mL. Metaldehyde residues were detectable in environmental water samples at low concentration (LOD?2 value >0.99, without any pre-concentration/separation steps. This result is of particular importance for environmental monitoring and water quality analysis providing a potential means of rapid screening to ensure safe drinking water.

SUBMITTER: Maher S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5073298 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature