Determination of pyrethroid insecticides in environmental samples

Pyrethroids are synthesized derivates of pyrethrins, which are extremely toxic for aquatic life and possible human carcinogens. After the ban on some organophosphorus insecticides, applications of pyrethroid insecticides increased sharply. In this article, we discuss different aspects of current analytical methodology, such as sample preparation, extraction, purification and final determination. Most pyrethroid analyses are performed by gas chromatography (GC) coupled to electron-capture detection or mass spectrometry (MS), although there are options based on tandem MS (MS') or comprehensive two-dimensional GC (GC x GC) coupled to time-of-flight MS (ToF-MS). We discuss the advantages and the disadvantages of the different instrumental techniques. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.