A selective review of LC–MS/MS-based pesticide residue analysis (2020–2025): advances in QuEChERS methods, multi-matrix applications, and analytical validation
- 1Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, KMCT Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kozhikode, 673601, Kerala, India (Affiliated to Kerala University of Health Sciences), Thrissur, Kerala, 680596, India; Corresponding authors.
- 2Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, KMCT Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kozhikode, 673601, Kerala, India (Affiliated to Kerala University of Health Sciences), Thrissur, Kerala, 680596, India
- 3Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, SRM College of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu, Tamilnadu, 603203, India; Corresponding authors.
Abstract
Pesticide residue analysis plays a crucial role in ensuring food safety, environmental protection, and public health. Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) has become an important analytical technique for pesticide residue determination because of its high sensitivity, selectivity, and suitability for complex matrices. This review summarizes recent developments in LC–MS/MS-based pesticide residue analysis published between 2020 and 2025, with particular focus on sample preparation, Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe extraction (QuEChERS extraction), chromatographic separation, method validation, and green analytical approaches. A total of 142 research studies were reviewed, covering a wide range of food, environmental, and biological matrices. Recent developments in QuEChERS-based extraction and clean-up strategies, chromatographic conditions, mass spectrometric detection, and validation parameters were compared. In addition, 13 selected analytical methods representing different matrices and analytical workflows were evaluated using the Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI) and Analytical GREEnness Metric (AGREE). The reviewed studies show a clear trend towards more sensitive, efficient, and sustainable analytical procedures, with increasing use of miniaturized extraction, reduced solvent consumption, improved clean-up, and greener analytical practices. These approaches can reduce chemical use and analytical waste while maintaining reliable pesticide residue determination. The review also highlights the remaining challenges associated with matrix effects, method robustness, and the analysis of highly polar pesticides. Future developments should focus on greener sample preparation, harmonized validation, and the integration of advanced mass spectrometric and data-processing approaches for sustainable pesticide monitoring.
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BibTeX
@article{kathirvel2026selective,
title = {{A selective review of LC–MS/MS-based pesticide residue analysis (2020–2025): advances in QuEChERS methods, multi-matrix applications, and analytical validation}},
author = {S. Kathirvel and Naba Fathima and Sana Fathima and Ruby A․S․ and Kokilambigai K․S․},
journal = {Sustainable Chemistry for Climate Action},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1016/j.scca.2026.100239},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scca.2026.100239},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - A selective review of LC–MS/MS-based pesticide residue analysis (2020–2025): advances in QuEChERS methods, multi-matrix applications, and analytical validation
AU - S. Kathirvel
AU - Naba Fathima
AU - Sana Fathima
AU - Ruby A․S․
AU - Kokilambigai K․S․
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/30
JO - Sustainable Chemistry for Climate Action
DO - 10.1016/j.scca.2026.100239
UR - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scca.2026.100239
AB - Pesticide residue analysis plays a crucial role in ensuring food safety, environmental protection, and public health. Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) has become an important analytical technique for pesticide residue determination because of its high sensitivity, selectivity, and suitability for complex matrices. This review summarizes recent developments in LC–MS/MS-based pesticide residue analysis published between 2020 and 2025, with particular focus on sample preparation, Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe extraction (QuEChERS extraction), chromatographic separation, method validation, and green analytical approaches. A total of 142 research studies were reviewed, covering a wide range of food, environmental, and biological matrices. Recent developments in QuEChERS-based extraction and clean-up strategies, chromatographic conditions, mass spectrometric detection, and validation parameters were compared. In addition, 13 selected analytical methods representing different matrices and analytical workflows were evaluated using the Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI) and Analytical GREEnness Metric (AGREE). The reviewed studies show a clear trend towards more sensitive, efficient, and sustainable analytical procedures, with increasing use of miniaturized extraction, reduced solvent consumption, improved clean-up, and greener analytical practices. These approaches can reduce chemical use and analytical waste while maintaining reliable pesticide residue determination. The review also highlights the remaining challenges associated with matrix effects, method robustness, and the analysis of highly polar pesticides. Future developments should focus on greener sample preparation, harmonized validation, and the integration of advanced mass spectrometric and data-processing approaches for sustainable pesticide monitoring.
SN - 2772-8269
ER -