Ultrasound-assisted QuEChERS-based extraction using EDTA for determination of currently-used pesticides at trace levels in soil

It is essential to monitor pesticides in soils as their presence at trace levels and their bioavailability can induce adverse effects on soil’s ecosystems, animals, and human health. In this study, we developed an analytical method for the quantification of traces of multi-class pesticides in soil using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. In this way, 31 pesticides were selected, including 12 herbicides, 9 insecticides, and 10 fungicides. Two extraction techniques were first evaluated, namely, the pressurized liquid extraction and the QuEChERS procedure. The latest one was finally selected and optimized, allowing extraction recoveries of 55 to 118