Determination of abamectin in citrus fruits by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

Liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray mass spectrometry (LC-ES-MS) with positive ion detection was used to determine abamectin in oranges. MS conditions were optimized to achieve maximum sensitivity. The main ion for abamectin was [M+Na](+) at a fragmentor voltage of 180 V. Abundant structural information can be obtained at different fragmentor voltages. The detection limit for the standard solution was 12 pg injected, and good linearity and reproducibility were observed. Abamectin residues were extracted using matrix solid-phase dispersion. Orange samples were homogenized with C-18 bonded silica placed onto a glass column and eluted with dichloromethane. Recoveries of the abamectin from oranges fortified with approximately 0.01-10 mg/kg ranged from 94 to 99% with an overall average recovery of 96%. The quantification limit is 0.0025 mg/kg, which means detection limit for this analyte could be set at a few hundred picograms per gram of fruit. The presence in the electrosprayed solution of numerous citrus constituents did not interfere significantly with the ionization process of abamectin. The assay procedure provides a simple, rapid, and sensitive method for monitoring residues in oranges. The method was applied to field treatment orange samples.