Speaker: Johanna Perkins
Candidate for Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
Time: 3:45 PM
Location: Trustee Hall 118
Supervisor: Dr. Henry Altmiller
Title: Pesticide Residue Analysis using Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry

Abstract: In the field of science, gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry is seen as one of the most effective identification techniques available. This research focuses on the application of GC-MS technology to the analysis of pesticide residues found on common fruits sold in supermarkets. In order to classify the various pesticide residues that exist on common fruits, literature research was conducted to determine the most frequently used pesticides in the agricultural field and to develop appropriate extraction techniques for the isolation of these compounds. Various techniques and organic solvents, such as methylene chloride and acetonitrile were tested in order to find an effective method to extract the organophosphate and organochloride compounds that are used in pest and weed control. Similar extraction and concentration techniques were carried out on experimental and control samples, such as malathion, parathion, chlorpyrifos, and captan, in order to assure proper testing procedures. Once isolated, the unknown and control samples undergo separation and classification in the GC-MS in order to provide gas chromatograms of separated compounds and mass spectra of each species and corresponding molecular fragments. Further research will pursue the application of solid-phase extraction in order to isolate more purified samples for GCMS qualification and quantification.