Method Development and Quantitative Analysis of Pesticides Using Automatic Solvent Extraction, Column Chromatography, and GC/MS
Major
Biochemistry
Submission Type
Poster
Area of Study or Work
Chemistry
Faculty Advisor
Angela Peverly
Location
CNS Atrium
Start Date
4-11-2026 8:30 AM
End Date
4-11-2026 9:45 AM
Abstract
Our analytical chemistry team is attempting to detect various pesticide residues of different chemical classes (Organophosphates, Triazines, etc.), in carnation samples using extraction techniques, column chromatography, and Gas Spectrometry/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). A 0.30m x 0.25m x 0.25m SH-Rxi-5Sil MS Gas Chromatography (GC) column was used as well as a Shimadzu GC-2010 Plus Gas Chromatograph and a Shimadzu GCMS-QP2010 SE Mass Spectrometer. In May 2025, our team focused on using various standard pesticide mixes in order to determine extraction methodology and GC/MS settings for our classes of pesticide standards. In Fall 2026, we focused on applying our previously developed method to carnations and attempted to qualitatively analyze types of pesticide residues. The resulting peaks were not very clean; therefore, our team has taken a step back to readjust our GC/MS settings, as well as learn how to quantitate using GC/MS postrun analysis software using a new calibration mix consisting of Heptane solvent, Bromobenzene internal standard and a few other standards. Once we have achieved our ideal GC/MS settings and quantitation ability, we will soon begin to be able to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze pesticide residues in carnations. We can use this work to advocate for greater pesticide residue limits, greener alternatives to pesticides, and healthier working conditions for agricultural workers and florists.
Method Development and Quantitative Analysis of Pesticides Using Automatic Solvent Extraction, Column Chromatography, and GC/MS
CNS Atrium
Our analytical chemistry team is attempting to detect various pesticide residues of different chemical classes (Organophosphates, Triazines, etc.), in carnation samples using extraction techniques, column chromatography, and Gas Spectrometry/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). A 0.30m x 0.25m x 0.25m SH-Rxi-5Sil MS Gas Chromatography (GC) column was used as well as a Shimadzu GC-2010 Plus Gas Chromatograph and a Shimadzu GCMS-QP2010 SE Mass Spectrometer. In May 2025, our team focused on using various standard pesticide mixes in order to determine extraction methodology and GC/MS settings for our classes of pesticide standards. In Fall 2026, we focused on applying our previously developed method to carnations and attempted to qualitatively analyze types of pesticide residues. The resulting peaks were not very clean; therefore, our team has taken a step back to readjust our GC/MS settings, as well as learn how to quantitate using GC/MS postrun analysis software using a new calibration mix consisting of Heptane solvent, Bromobenzene internal standard and a few other standards. Once we have achieved our ideal GC/MS settings and quantitation ability, we will soon begin to be able to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze pesticide residues in carnations. We can use this work to advocate for greater pesticide residue limits, greener alternatives to pesticides, and healthier working conditions for agricultural workers and florists.