A simplified method for the determination of fenpropathrin residues in fruits

A simple and efficient method is described for the determination of fenprop athrin in oranges, pears, apples and strawberries. The procedure: is based on the extraction of each homogenized fruit sample with hexane:acetone (1:1 , v/v) mixture, followed, by a cleanup technique on a column packed with fl orisil, using a hexane:ethyl ether (7:3, v/v) mixture, and gas chromatograp hic, analysis with electron capture detection (ECD). The fortification leve ls (0.5; 1.0; 2.0 mg kg(-1)) were selected according to the maximum residue limits (MRLs) established for fenpropathrin by Brazilian legislation. Mean recoveries from five replicates of fortified fruit samples ranged from 83 % to 98 %, with:coefficients of variation from 1.4 to 13.5 and detection li mits varying from 0.1 to 0.2 mg kg(-1).