Trace Detection of Fenthion in Olive Oil
Applications | 2020 | MetrohmInstrumentation
The presence of pesticide residues such as fenthion in food products raises significant health and environmental concerns. Fenthion, a restricted-use organophosphate insecticide, is particularly toxic to non-target organisms and may exceed acceptable limits in olive oil due to extensive orchard spraying. Rapid, sensitive detection methods are essential to ensure consumer safety and comply with regulatory standards.
This study aims to demonstrate the capability of the Metrohm Instant SERS Analyzer (MISA) for trace-level detection of fenthion in olive oil. It evaluates the sensitivity, specificity, and field-deployable workflow for monitoring pesticide residues at concentrations relevant to maximum residue limits.
A spiking experiment was conducted by adding known concentrations of fenthion (500 ng/mL to 100 µg/mL) into olive oil followed by a liquid–liquid extraction with cyclohexane, acetonitrile, and water. After phase separation, the acetonitrile extract was evaporated and reconstituted with gold nanoparticle colloid and sodium chloride to enhance the SERS signal. Spectra were acquired under standardized MISA settings.
Baseline-corrected SERS spectra revealed clear fenthion peaks down to 500 ng/mL. An inverse relationship was observed between analyte peak intensity and substrate signal at low concentrations. Dedicated library entries in MISA Cal allowed accurate peak assignment, enabling reliable identification even in composite spectra with substrate contributions.
Advances may include expanded library databases for multiple pesticides, integration with artificial intelligence for automated spectrum interpretation, and further miniaturization of SERS platforms. Coupling with multiplex assays could also enable simultaneous detection of diverse contaminants in complex food matrices.
The MISA-based SERS approach offers a robust, sensitive, and user-friendly solution for detecting trace levels of fenthion in olive oil. Its portability and rapid analysis capabilities make it a valuable tool for regulatory agencies and the food industry to safeguard consumer health.
Metrohm AG. AN-RS-030 Application Note: Trace Detection of Fenthion in Olive Oil with MISA.
RAMAN Spectroscopy
IndustriesFood & Agriculture
ManufacturerMetrohm
Summary
Importance of the topic
The presence of pesticide residues such as fenthion in food products raises significant health and environmental concerns. Fenthion, a restricted-use organophosphate insecticide, is particularly toxic to non-target organisms and may exceed acceptable limits in olive oil due to extensive orchard spraying. Rapid, sensitive detection methods are essential to ensure consumer safety and comply with regulatory standards.
Objectives and Study Overview
This study aims to demonstrate the capability of the Metrohm Instant SERS Analyzer (MISA) for trace-level detection of fenthion in olive oil. It evaluates the sensitivity, specificity, and field-deployable workflow for monitoring pesticide residues at concentrations relevant to maximum residue limits.
Used methodology and instrumentation
A spiking experiment was conducted by adding known concentrations of fenthion (500 ng/mL to 100 µg/mL) into olive oil followed by a liquid–liquid extraction with cyclohexane, acetonitrile, and water. After phase separation, the acetonitrile extract was evaporated and reconstituted with gold nanoparticle colloid and sodium chloride to enhance the SERS signal. Spectra were acquired under standardized MISA settings.
Used Instrumentation
- MISA Advanced Portable SERS Analyzer with ORS spectrograph
- ID Kit – Au NP for gold nanoparticle colloid and consumables
- MISA Cal Software for acquisition and library matching
Main Results and Discussion
Baseline-corrected SERS spectra revealed clear fenthion peaks down to 500 ng/mL. An inverse relationship was observed between analyte peak intensity and substrate signal at low concentrations. Dedicated library entries in MISA Cal allowed accurate peak assignment, enabling reliable identification even in composite spectra with substrate contributions.
Benefits and Practical Applications
- Highly sensitive detection fulfilling regulatory limits for fenthion in olive oil
- Portable, field-ready workflow with minimal sample preparation
- Automated data processing and one-touch operation for non-specialist users
- Rapid turnaround time supporting on-site quality control and compliance checks
Future Trends and Opportunities
Advances may include expanded library databases for multiple pesticides, integration with artificial intelligence for automated spectrum interpretation, and further miniaturization of SERS platforms. Coupling with multiplex assays could also enable simultaneous detection of diverse contaminants in complex food matrices.
Conclusion
The MISA-based SERS approach offers a robust, sensitive, and user-friendly solution for detecting trace levels of fenthion in olive oil. Its portability and rapid analysis capabilities make it a valuable tool for regulatory agencies and the food industry to safeguard consumer health.
Reference
Metrohm AG. AN-RS-030 Application Note: Trace Detection of Fenthion in Olive Oil with MISA.
Content was automatically generated from an orignal PDF document using AI and may contain inaccuracies.
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