Matrix-induced peak enhancement of pesticides in gas chromatogrtaphy: Is there a solution?

In this study, it is shown that calibration solution prepared in control matrix extrix extract can be used to compensate for matrix‐induced chromatographic response enhancement observed for certain pesticedes. This phenomenon is characterized by enhanced chromatographic response for certain pesticides in the presence of matrix du to reduced analyte loss during injection. Unacceptably high recoveries are seen for affected pesticides when maatrix‐free solutions are used for reference and calibration. The effects of matrix concentration on overall enhancement and linear response were determined. When used as reference standards for the determination of recovery, matrix‐standard solutions were found to provide acceptable recoveries for pesticides subject to matrix‐induced chromatographic response enhancement along with other pesticides. General guidelines are presented for using matrix‐standard calibration solutions in pesticide residue analysis.