Influences of sample homogenization time and standing time before extraction on the determination of incurred pesticide residue levels in grapes.

Abstract

To estimate the influence of sample processing with a blender, we conducted a homogeneity test using a bulk sample of pre-harvest grapes. Relative standard deviations (RSDs) were calculated from the concentrations of pesticides in the portions from the top, middle, and bottom of the homogenate with fine and rough particles. The results from adequate sample processing showed that the RSDs of the residue levels of all five pesticides in the fine-particle homogenate were lower than 10%. In contrast, the results under problematic conditions such as short blending times and long standing times after blending showed higher RSDs (>15%). The RSDs of nonpolar pesticides showed greater variabilities under the problematic conditions than those of polar pesticides. Separate analyses of the precipitate and supernatant phases suggested that the distribution bias of skin particles in the homogenate has a major effect on the concentration of nonpolar pesticides because of weighing errors in the extracted portions.