Semiautomated determination of pesticides in water using solid phase extraction disks and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

A method based on semiautomated solid phase extraction using octadecyl-bonded silica disks and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, operated in selected ion monitoring mode, allows detection and quantification of approximately 100 pesticides and transformation products in drinking water. Samples (500 mL) were passed through the disk, and the retained pesticides were eluted with acetone and ethyl acetate. Typical recoveries for pesticides at 0.1 mu g L-1 in water were in the range of 72-120% with relative standard deviations less than 20%. Calibration curves were linear over the range of 0.025-0.5 mu g mL(-1) (equivalent to a concentration range in drinking water of 0.05-1.0 mu g L-1).