Determination of malathion residues in some medicinal plants by liquid chromatography with gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric confirmation

J AOAC Int. 1998 Sep-Oct;81(5):1023-6.

Abstract

A method for determining malathion residues by reversed-phase liquid chromatography (LC) using methanol only as mobile phase is described. Malathion [diethyl(dimethoxyphosphinothiol)succinate] was applied on marjoram, mint, and chamomile. Residues were detected in fresh and dry crops by LC and confirmed by gas-LC/mass spectrometry. Average recovery of malathion was 85%. Residues detected in fresh marjoram, mint, and chamomile were 0.18, 0.23, and 0.083 mg/kg, respectively. Residues detected in dry marjoram and mint were 0.024 and 0.050 mg/kg, respectively. No malathion residues were detected in dry chamomile. The minimum detectable concentration with this method is 0.013 mg/kg. The study suggests it is safe to use malathion up to 2 sprays per season provided the crop is harvested not less than 3 weeks from the last spray.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Chamomile
  • Chromatography, Liquid*
  • Flavonoids / chemistry
  • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry*
  • Lamiaceae / chemistry
  • Malathion / analysis*
  • Oils, Volatile / chemistry
  • Pesticide Residues / analysis*
  • Plants, Medicinal*
  • Spices / analysis

Substances

  • Flavonoids
  • Oils, Volatile
  • Pesticide Residues
  • Malathion