Method development for the influence of matrix on selected organochlorine pesticide residue analysis in surface water by GC-MS

An automated solid phase extraction (SPE) method coupled to GC-MS method for the analysis of selected organochlorine pesticides was developed and validated for the purposes of studying the matrix effects. The analytical method showed a significant degree of validity when tested against parameters such as linearity, repeatability and sensitivity. Four different reversed sorbent phases, including a Supelco LC18, Strata C18-E and Strata-X (styrene divinyl benzene) were tested for organochlorine extraction efficiency. The LC-18 proved to be the most robust and effective sorbent phase as it produced better recoveries varying from 90-130% for most analytes. It was then concluded that the method developed was suitable for further research towards the influence of the matrix on selective determination of the selected organochlorine pesticides.