Rapid SPE – LC MS/MS analysis for atrazine, its by-products, simazine and S metolachlor in groundwater samples

A rapid analysis of pesticides using on-line Solid phase extraction LC MS/MS (Agilent Technology) was performed using only 2-mL water samples. SPE cartridge PLRP-s was used for the pre-concentration sample with methanol elution in back flush. Sensitive transitions and mass spectrometry conditions were optimized by direct infusion of individual standard solutions in a positive electrospray mode. Water samples were spiked with internal standards to compensate the matrix effect. The limit of quantification was calculated to be 20 ng L(−1) • Only 2 mL water sample was used. • Samples were filtered at 0.2 µm and spiked with individual standard. • Compounds were separated in an 18.5-min elution time using the dynamic MRM program.