Determination of atrazine and carbaryl pesticide residues in vegetable samples using a multianalyte dipstick immunoassay format

A dipstick assay for the simultaneous determination of atrazine and carbaryl in vegetable samples was developed. The analytical method involved a fast extraction procedure followed by a multi-strip membrane test. The assay took 10 min, with a detection limit (naked eye) of 10 and 200 µg l−1 for atrazine and carbaryl, respectively. The cross-reactivities to related compounds tested were negligible except for propazine. Quantification of the pesticides was carried out by measuring the dot colour with a spectrophotometer. IC50 values (inhibition constant at 50% of the maximum binding) of 2.04 µg l−1 for atrazine and 92.8 µg l−1 for carbaryl were achieved by this approach. Vegetable samples were extracted with MeOH. The proposed methodology was used to analyse atrazine and carbaryl and check for compliance with European Union maximum residue levels for vegetables. Recoveries (75–105%) were in agreement with those obtained by GC/MS or HPLC. Standard curves using 25% methanol/75% TBS were used for food sample assays using a multi-analyte dipstick. IC50 values were 9.2 µg l−1 for atrazine and 179.2 µg l−1 for cabaryl.