Analysis of fenpropathrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, and chlorothalonil in potato and tomato samples using gas chromatography with an electron capture detector

Objective: This study aimed to analyze pesticide contents in potato and tomato samples. Methods: In the present study, we determined the presence of the pesticides fenpropathrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, and chlorothalonil in conventional and organic potatoes and tomatoes using a gas chromatograph equipped with an electron capture detector and validated the associated methods. Acetone-based extraction was performed using the Dutch mini-Luke method with minimal weights and volumes. Results: Validation tests showed a range of 70-120% and precision of ≤20%, and linearity tests on the three standard pesticides gave r values of ≥0.9990 for all three pesticides. Limit of detection and limit of quantitation values showed high sensitivity, although in vegetable sample analyses, none of the three pesticides were detected. Conclusion: Our data show that the chosen method for analysis of the pesticides fenpropathrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, and chlorothalonil in potatoes and tomatoes is valid and that the marketed potatoes and tomatoes meet the SNI 7313: 2008 standard for “Maximum Limits of Pesticide Residues on Agricultural Products” and the associated Japanese standards.