Matrix effect on pesticides in vegetables by GC-MS/MS analysis

GC-MS/MS have been used as a state-of-the-art method to determine pesticides residuals in agricultural products (e.g. vegetables). However, matrix effect is one of the major issues in the analysis, potentially resulting in the bias in the quantification. Matrix-paired calibration curve is a common way to diminish such effect. This indicates, theoretically, for each matrix measurement, the corresponding matrix-paired calibration curve need to be prepared, which is time- and labor-consuming. Hence, approaches that can systematically improve the matrix effect is desirable.
In the present study, we compare the matrix effect of pesticides in vegetables in GCMS-TQ8050 (Shimadzu, Japan) with GCMS-TQ8040 (Shimadzu, Japan). Our assumption is due to the higher sensitivity in GCMS-TQ8050, the matrix effect can be improved by sample dilution.