Neste estudo, métodos multirresíduos usando extração em fase sólida (SPE) e microextração em fase sólida (SPME) são comparados na determinação de pesticidas em amostras aquosas. Parâmetros como tipo de fibras e espessura, solvente de eluição, volume da amostra, tempo de equilíbrio, coeficiente de partição e solubilidade foram investigados. Resultados satisfatórios foram obtidos para a análise de pesticidas usando cartuchos C18 e acetato de etila como eluente, com taxas de recuperação entre 75-107%. As melhores condições para SPME foram com uma fibra PDMS 100 µm de espessura, volume de amostra de 40 mL, e tempo de equilíbrio de 45 min. O método SPME é o mais adequado para a análise de pesticidas em água, devido à sua rapidez e simplicidade e ao não uso de solventes. Os limites de detecção e quantificação são inferiores aos limites de concentração máximos estabelecidos pelas autoridades brasileiras, sendo portanto aceitável.In this study, multiresidue method using solid phase extraction (SPE) and solid phase microextraction (SPME) are compared in the determination of pesticides in aqueous samples. Parameters such as fiber type and thickness, elution solvent, sample volume, equilibration time, partition coefficient and solubility were investigated. Satisfactory results were obtained for the analysis of pesticides using C18 cartridges and ethyl acetate as eluent, whith recovery rates between 75-107%. The best conditions for SPME fiber were PDMS with a 100 mm thick, sample volume of 40 mL, and reaction time was 45 min. SPME method is most suitable for the analysis of pesticides in water, due to its speed and simplicity and solvent-free. The limits of detection and quantification are below the maximum concentration limits established by Brazilian authorities and therefore acceptable.Keywords: pesticides, SPME, water analysis, microextraction, partition coefficient
IntroductionThe protection of water quality is a real concern of government agencies that control public health. The worldwide intensive use of pesticides plays a key role in environmental contamination, especially in water resources. In the last years, Brazil has been considered the largest consumer of pesticides in the world. 1 Only in 2009, around 1 million ton of pesticides were sold in the country,mainly applied in soybean, corn, sugarcane and cotton cultures. 1 According to ANDEF, there were about 475 active ingredients and 1278 products registered. 2 Pesticides that remain in the environment or reach the aquatic systems pose risks to animal species by their toxicity and ability to bio-accumulate along the food chain. 3 The European Community has set the value of 0.1 mg L -1 for any individual pesticide and 0.5 mg L -1 for the total pesticide residues of pesticides. In Brazil, the maximum concentrations of pesticides in water are regulated by the Administrative Rule No. 518/2004 (drinking water) of the Milhome et al. 2049 Vol. 22, No. 11, 2011 Ministry of Health, by The National Environment Council (CONAMA) Resolution No. 357/2005(classification o...