Introduction

Achieving low limits of detection (LODs) of pesticides, antibiotics and veterinary residues in food residues and drinking water is of paramount importance in order to monitor the regulatory levels as stated by the US, Japanese and EU directives. These substances pose a significant health threat and therefore, need to be accurately detected at the lowest levels, typically at part per trillion (ppt).

Traditionally, LC-MS/MS has been used by the environmental and food industries for the identification and quantitation of these residues. However, this methodology typically requires extensive offline sample preparation, which can be time consuming and expensive.

Thermo Fisher Scientific's EQuan environmental quantitation system consists of a TSQ Quantum™ series mass spectrometer, two Surveyor™ HPLC pumps with a preconcentration column, an analytical column, and a CTC autosampler.

The unique capabilities of EQuan for online preconcentration and cleanup of samples result in improved sensitivity and precision, as well as unmatched throughput.

To view the complete application note, please download the PDF file on this page.