Determination of abamectin and azadirachtin residues in orange samples by liquid chromatography–electrospray tandem mass spectrometry

A rapid and sensitive LC–ESI-MS–MS method has been developed for the determination of azadirachtin and abamectin residues in orange samples. Samples were extracted with acetonitrile, in a high-speed blender. After the addition of sodium acetate, an aliquot of extract was directly injected into the LC–ESI-MS–MS system. The highest sensitivity of the method was achieved under MS–MS conditions using [M+Na]+ adducts as precursor ions. Recoveries for both compounds from spiked orange samples at 0.01 and 0.1 mg/kg were above 80%, with good repeatability (<10%). Method detection limits achieved (<0.007 mg/kg) were adequate for the determination of these pesticides in this kind of sample from the regulatory point of view. The importance of the solvent used for extraction, as well as the addition of sodium acetate to the extracts and the selection of adequate chromatographic conditions are discussed.