Contaminant Screening (Pesticides, Herbicides)
In agriculture and forestry testing, the presence of contaminants such as pesticides and herbicides can have far-reaching effects on both the environment and human health. Our Contaminant Screening service for pesticides and herbicides is designed to provide accurate and reliable results that meet international standards.
This service ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and helps protect your reputation by identifying potential risks early in the supply chain or production process. The service includes a comprehensive range of tests covering various active ingredients, metabolites, and degradation products from commonly used pesticides and herbicides.
The service employs advanced analytical techniques such as liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). These methods allow for the detection of trace levels of contaminants in agricultural products, water samples, soil, and other matrices.
Our team of experts is well-versed in interpreting complex data generated by these instruments to provide actionable insights. We offer tailored solutions based on your specific needs, whether you are a regulatory body, an R&D engineer, or a quality manager looking for assurance that your products meet stringent safety standards.
| Sample Type | Analytical Method | Target Analytes |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Products | LC-MS/MS, HPLC | Pesticide residues, metabolites |
| Water Samples | GCC-MS | Total organic carbon (TOC), pesticides |
| Soil Samples | HPLC | Herbicide residues, pesticide breakdown products |
The following steps outline the process involved in our Contaminant Screening service:
- Sample collection and preparation.
- Extraction of target analytes using appropriate solvents.
- Separation, detection, and quantification via LC-MS/MS or GC-MS.
- Data analysis and reporting.
We work closely with our clients to ensure that all aspects of the testing process align with their unique requirements. Our goal is not only to deliver accurate results but also to provide comprehensive guidance on how best to address any issues identified during the screening process.
By partnering with us, you can rest assured knowing that your agricultural and forestry products are being tested rigorously according to international standards like ISO 17025:2017 for proficiency in laboratory testing. This ensures consistency and reliability across all tests conducted within our facilities.
Scope and Methodology
| Sample Type | Analytical Method | Target Analytes |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Products | LC-MS/MS, HPLC | Pesticide residues, metabolites |
| Water Samples | GCC-MS | Total organic carbon (TOC), pesticides |
| Soil Samples | HPLC | Herbicide residues, pesticide breakdown products |
| Sample Type | Analytical Method | Target Analytes |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Products | LC-MS/MS, HPLC | Pesticide residues, metabolites |
| Water Samples | GCC-MS | Total organic carbon (TOC), pesticides |
| Soil Samples | HPLC | Herbicide residues, pesticide breakdown products |
The analytical methods used in our Contaminant Screening service are selected based on their ability to detect trace levels of contaminants. These include liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Each method has its advantages depending on the sample type and target analytes.
For agricultural products, LC-MS/MS is preferred due to its sensitivity and specificity. It allows for the simultaneous quantification of multiple pesticides and their metabolites in a single run. HPLC can also be used when simpler analysis is required or when dealing with complex matrices like plant extracts.
In water samples, GC-MS provides excellent resolution between closely related compounds while allowing for the detection of trace amounts of pesticides even at parts per billion concentrations.
For soil samples, HPLC is often chosen because it offers good separation capabilities and is suitable for analyzing herbicides and pesticide breakdown products. The choice of analytical method depends on factors such as sample complexity, required resolution, and target analytes.
Benefits
Our Contaminant Screening service offers several key benefits:
- Compliance Assurance: Ensures adherence to regulatory standards for pesticides and herbicides in agricultural products, water sources, and soil.
- Risk Management: Identifies potential contamination risks early in the supply chain or production process.
- Quality Control: Provides detailed information about pesticide residues which helps maintain product quality and safety standards.
- Environmental Protection: Helps protect ecosystems from harmful effects of overuse or improper application of pesticides and herbicides.
- Customer Satisfaction: Enhances trust among consumers by ensuring that agricultural products are free from harmful chemicals.
- R&D Support: Assists researchers in understanding the behavior of different types of pesticides under various conditions which can lead to more effective formulations and better management practices.
By leveraging our expertise in contaminant screening, you gain access to cutting-edge technology and experienced professionals who understand both technical aspects and industry challenges. This combination ensures that your agricultural operations remain compliant with international regulations while minimizing environmental impact.
Customer Impact and Satisfaction
- Enhanced Reputation: By ensuring compliance with strict regulatory requirements, you enhance your company's reputation as a responsible stakeholder in the agricultural sector.
- Informed Decision-Making: You have access to detailed reports that provide valuable insights into any potential risks associated with pesticide use or exposure.
- Cost Efficiency: Early identification of contamination issues allows for prompt corrective actions, thereby reducing costly recalls and reputational damage.
- Consumer Trust: Consumers increasingly expect transparency regarding the safety of food products. By demonstrating robust quality control measures through our services, you build trust with your customer base.
Our customers have consistently praised us for our professionalism, accuracy, and responsiveness throughout the testing process. They appreciate the clarity provided in our reports which enable them to make informed decisions regarding their operations. Additionally, we offer customized training sessions tailored specifically towards different audiences such as quality managers, compliance officers, R&D engineers, and procurement teams.
