Performance comparison of dispersive solid-phase extraction and multiplug filtration cleanup methods for the determination of tefuryltrione in plant and environmental samples using UHPLC-MS/MS

The detection frequencies of tefuryltrione, a new type of 4-hydroxyphenyl-pyruvate dioxygenase inhibitor herbicide, are rarely reported, probably because of the paucity of analytical methods. Herein, an effective and sensitive analytical method has been developed to detect tefuryltrione in vegetables (tomato and cucumber), cereals (rice and corn), soil, and water by ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Comparisons of the performances of dispersive solid-phase extraction and multiplug filtration cleanup methods were carried out for tefuryltrione in complex matrices. Extraction solvents and purification sorbents were further optimized for dispersive solid-phase extraction. Tefuryltrione was analyzed with electrospray ionization in the positive mode within 2.0 min. Mean recoveries for tefuryltrione were 75.4-108.9% with relative standard deviations less than 11.0% at three fortification levels (10, 100, 500 mu g/kg) in the sample matrixes. Limits of quantification ranged from 0.70 to 5.12 mu g/kg, and an excellent linearity (R-2 >= 0.9902) was obtained for tefuryltrione at concentrations of 5-1000 mu g/L. The results showed that the developed dispersive solid-phase extraction method could serve as an effective, sensitive, and robust method for routine monitoring of tefuryltrione residue in plants and environmental samples.