Analytical Sciences


Abstract − Analytical Sciences, 37(11), 1625 (2021).

Applicability of Superheated Water Extraction for the Quantification of Pesticide Residues in Leafy Vegetables
Takashi YARITA, Atsuhiko HASEGAWA, and Hiroko TADA
College of Agriculture, Ibaraki University, 3-21-1 Chuo, Ami, Inashiki, Ibaraki 300-0393, Japan
Superheated water extraction (SWE) of pesticide residues in a cabbage sample was demonstrated. The recovery yields of several relatively polar pesticides (log Pow < 3) by the spike-and-recovery method at 100°C were acceptable. Increasing the extraction temperature up to 150°C led to enhanced extraction efficiency except for pesticides that induced degradation. The recovery yields of some target pesticides having log Pow values of 3.5 – 4 were effectively enhanced by increasing the number of extraction cycles. The observed concentration of fenitrothion in a cabbage sample was comparable with those by the official Japanese analytical method. These results suggested SWE is potentially suitable for the extraction of different relatively high-to-medium polarity pesticides.