Determination of o-phenylphenol, diphenylamine, and propargite pesticide residues in selected fruits and vegetables by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

A simple and rapid method was developed to detect o-phenylphenol, diphenylamine, and propargite in selected fruits and vegetables. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry in the selective-ion monitoring mode was used to identify and quantitate the 3 residues. Residues were extracted with acetonitrile and transferred to acetone. Limits of detection were 10, 8, and 15 ppb for o-phenylphenol, diphenylamine, and propargite, respectively. Recovery data were obtained by fortifying 4 matrixes (apples, oranges, canned peaches, and spinach) at 0.025-0.888 ppm. The method provides very good linearity data with low coefficients of variation.