Method development and validation for boscalid in blueberries by solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography, and their degradation kinetics

Analytical method for the residues of boscalid in blueberries was developed. Fungicide residues were determined by solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled to gas chromatography with micro-electron capture (μ-ECD) detector. The effect of pH values and fiber coatings were studied. The SPME fiber coating selected was 100 μm PDMS. The method is selective with adequate precision and high accuracy and sensitivity. Recoveries ranged within the 98–104% range, and detection and quantification limits were 1.33 and 4.42 μg/kg, respectively. Statistical parameters indicated the occurrence of matrix effect; consequently calibration was performed on spiked samples. Degradation of boscalid was studied in a blueberry field located in Concordia, Argentina, with fruits from Emerald and Jewel varieties. The degradation of boscalid in both blueberry varieties studied followed a first order rate kinetics and the half-life for boscalid was 5.3 and 6.3 days for Emerald and Jewel cultivars, respectively.