Chapter 7 - GC–MS Applied to the Monitoring of Pesticides in Milk and Blackberries and PAHs in Processed Meats of Colombia

Abstract

Abstract Colombia is an agricultural country where many pesticides are used. They are overused in most of the cases, leaving residues in water bodies, soils, and crops. Consequently, it is necessary to analyze the pesticide residues from crops that have been fumigated. Colombia is also an active cattle raiser, and producer of meat and milk. The Diagnosis and Control of Pollution Research Group (GDCON), as an active part of the University of Antioquia, has analyzed residues of several toxic substances in water, soil, and foods using state-of-the-art analytical methods. This chapter presents the results of the analysis obtained by programmed temperature vaporizer–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (PTV–GC–MS) of organic toxic pollutants, using QuEChERS as the sample preparation method. The presence of pesticide residues in milk, blackberries, and processed meat was demonstrated.