Analytical Services and Methods

The Pesticide Research Laboratory (PRL) provides a wide range of analytical services to the university community and external clients, such as food processors, petroleum industry, government authorities, government ministries, the agricultural sector, pharmaceuticals companies and private entities. Our expertise in analytical chemistry allows us to provide accurate and reliable analytical results. Our state-of-the-art instrumentation, combined with over 15 years of experience in gas chromatography, liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, guarantee accurate and timely results.

Routine Analytical Services

PRL analytical services are based on proven and tested analytical methods. These methods are used for isolation, detection and quantification. The cost of services can be obtained from the Secretary of PRL, Englebert Davis @ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Determination of Pesticide residues in foods, water, soil etc:

AOAC Official Method 2007.01 - Pesticide Residues in Foods by Acetonitrile Extraction and Partitioning with Magnesium Sulfate <Method>.

EPA METHOD 3510C - Separatory Funnel Liquid-Liquid Extraction <Method>.

PRL provides screening and quantification of pesticides by the QuEChERS method, a general multi-residue method, using gas and/or liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (GC/MS and/or LC/MS/MS).

Some pesticides require different methods of analysis and should be specified on the sample request form. Please contact the laboratory for analysis of the specific pesticides listed below:

Abamectin
Acidic pesticides (e.g. 2,4-D, 2,4-DB, 4-CPA, Dicamba, Fluoroxypyr, Dalapon, Fluazifop, Pentachlorophenol, Bromacil)
Amitraz
Carbamates
Chlorothalonil
Glyphosate and its degradation product, AMPA
Paraquat, diquat

Determination of Volatile Organic Compounds:

EPA Method 8620B. Volatile Organic Compounds by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) <Method>.

Determination of Organic Pollutants (PCB, PAHs, chlorinated solvents, chlorinated disinfection by-products ...):

EPA VICTORIA METHOD NUMBER 6013 - Determination of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) In Waste Oils by Gas Chromatography with Electron Capture Detector <Method>.

Determination of Chlorination Disinfection Byproducts, Chlorinated Solvents, and Halogenated Pesticides/Herbicides in Drinking Water by Liquid-Liquid Extraction and Gas Chromatography with Electron-Capture Detection <Method>.

ORGANIC EXTRACTION AND SAMPLE PREPARATION <Method>.

PRESSURIZED FLUID EXTRACTION (PFE) <Method>.

Non-Routine Analytical Services

PRL also provide client-specific analytical services. Our non-routine analyses include:

• Metal ions in water, food, soil and plant material

• Total oil and grease in water and soil

• Turbidity

• Biological oxygen demand in water

• Hypoglycin in Ackee

• pH

• Acidity

• Brix

• Toxic Substances in Food and Environmental samples

• Viscosity and Osmotic Pressure Measurements

• Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons

• Radioactivity measurements

This list is by no means exhaustive, so, for additional information on our capabilities please contact the Secretary of PRL @ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Head of PRL, Professor Tara P. Dasgupta @ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .