Optimization and validation of ultrasound application with a low-temperature method to analyze organochlorine pesticides in smuggled cigarette tobacco

Anal Methods. 2022 Jul 29;14(29):2857-2865. doi: 10.1039/d2ay00544a.

Abstract

This work presents the optimization and validation of a method to quantify organochlorine pesticides in tobacco samples from smuggled cigarettes using ultrasound application and low-temperature extraction. The combined approach was validated for 20 organochlorine pesticides, achieving recoveries between 73% and 116%, and a relative standard deviation of less than 20%. The method minimized the matrix effect in 65% of the organochlorine pesticides. The limits of detection and quantification varied from 2 to 60 ng g-1 and 120 to 190 ng g-1, respectively. The method was applied to the analysis of 18 brands of smuggled cigarettes. The organochlorine pesticides found in the samples were cis-chlordane (89%), p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDD) and methoxychlor (78%), endosulfan sulfate (67%), heptachlor epoxide, and endosulfan II (61%). The concentrations of the organochlorine pesticides in this study were higher than those in a similar survey on cigarettes marketed in China. The ultrasound application and low-temperature extraction may be an efficient alternative to analyzing tobacco samples since it uses only one extraction solvent, requires low-cost equipment, does not require an additional clean-up step, reduces the environmental impact through minimal waste generation, and can detect low analyte concentrations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Dichlorodiphenyl Dichloroethylene / analysis
  • Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated* / analysis
  • Nicotiana
  • Pesticides* / analysis
  • Temperature
  • Tobacco Products*

Substances

  • Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated
  • Pesticides
  • Dichlorodiphenyl Dichloroethylene