Multiresidue Pesticide Analysis with the Agilent Intuvo 9000 GC and Agilent 7000C Triple Quadrupole GC/MS

Importance of the Topic

Pesticide residues in food commodities represent a significant public health and regulatory concern. As the number of regulated compounds and the stringency of maximum residue limits (MRLs) increase worldwide, laboratories require reliable, high-throughput analytical platforms to ensure consumer safety and regulatory compliance.

Study Objectives and Overview

This study evaluates the performance of the Agilent Intuvo 9000 Gas Chromatograph coupled with the Agilent 7000C Triple Quadrupole GC/MS for multiresidue pesticide analysis. Three representative matrices—organic honey, jasmine rice, and loose-leaf black tea—were selected to demonstrate method robustness across diverse sample types.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Sample preparation was based on the QuEChERS approach, incorporating matrix-specific dispersive SPE clean-up steps to minimize interferences and extend column lifetime.
Instrumental setup included:

• Agilent Intuvo 9000 GC with multimode inlet (MMI) and midcolumn backflush
• Intuvo guard chip (inert microfluidic retention gap) to protect downstream components
• Agilent 7693B autosampler
• Agilent J&W HP-5ms Ultra Inert Intuvo GC columns (15 m × 0.25 mm, 0.25 µm)
• Agilent 7000C Triple Quadrupole GC/MS/MS operating in dynamic MRM mode

Key method parameters included pulsed splitless injection, helium carrier gas, optimized oven temperature program, and automated backflush to reduce runtime and maintenance.

Key Results and Discussion

Calibration curves for over 100 target pesticides exhibited excellent linearity (R2 ≥ 0.990) over 5–500 ng/mL. Method detection limits (MDLs) and instrument limits of quantitation (iLOQs) were below 7 ppb for honey and rice, and below 100 ppb for 94% of analytes in tea. Repeatability (%RSD) across all matrices was ≤ 30% with recovery errors ≤ 30%. The Intuvo guard chip enabled stable peak shape and response for more than 500 injections with routine liner and chip replacement.

Benefits and Practical Applications

Major advantages of this workflow include:

• Simultaneous quantitation of hundreds of pesticides at low ppb levels
• Reduced system downtime due to inert guard chip and backflush technology
• Compatibility with global MRL requirements (EU and USDA)
• Streamlined sample preparation and instrument operation for high sample throughput

Future Trends and Applications

Potential developments to further enhance multiresidue analysis:

• Integration with comprehensive pesticide databases and automated data processing
• Expansion to additional complex matrices such as fatty or high-pigment samples
• Coupling with high-resolution mass spectrometry for non-target screening
• Advancements in microfluidic inlet designs to lower detection limits and extend column life

Conclusion

The Agilent Intuvo 9000 GC combined with the 7000C Triple Quadrupole GC/MS offers a robust, high-throughput solution for multiresidue pesticide analysis. It meets stringent regulatory MRLs in diverse food matrices while minimizing maintenance and ensuring data quality.

Reference

• Maximum Residue Limits Database. United States Department of Agriculture Foreign Agriculture Service, 2016.
• Veeneman R. Multiresidue Pesticide Analysis with the Agilent Intuvo 9000 GC and Agilent 7000 Series MS. Agilent Technologies Application Note 5991-7216EN, 2016.
• Anastassiades M.; Lehotay S.J.; Štajnbaher D.; Schenck F.S. AOAC Int. 2003, 86, 412–431.
• Lehotay S.J.; Mastovská K.; Lightfield A.R. J. AOAC Int. 2005, 88, 615–629.