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Pesticide Residue Analysis

Pesticide residue analysis involves testing samples in the laboratory to identify pesticides that may be present in horticultural crops and food products destined for domestic and international export markets, as well as environmental samples such as water and soil.
Residue chemist preparing samples for extraction of pesticides at a toxicology laboratory in Mali.	Monitoring of pesticide residues in horticultural crops helps assure a safe food supply for domestic and international consumption.

Sample collection, preservation, extraction, and measurement must be precisely managed with quality control steps to assure a reliable and accurate result.
Chemist weighing sample on top loading balance in preparation for multiresidue extraction of pesticides.	Pesticide reference standards of known purity are prepared in solutions to compare with the unknown components in samples.	Various types of chromatographic instrumentation with computers are used for data acquisition and data analysis.

Pesticide residue analysis requires years of experience and can be costly. However, the fee-based service to clients helps to maintain cost recovery for laboratory operations and continue training of experienced chemists.
Chemists trained in residue analysis can play a proactive role in confirming that appropriate pesticides are used correctly in horticultural crop production.	Pesticide residue analysis is essential, but costly. A capillary column is used to separate sample extract components in the instrument and costs about $500 USD.	Instrument "consumables" are often shipped to West Africa from distant locations which adds additional challenges to maintaining laboratory functionality.	Chemists require years of training and experience to reach the level of proficiency necessary to perform residue analyses.

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