Malays. J. Anal. Sci. Volume 29 Number 4 (2025): 1363

Research Article

Development of QuEChERS method combined with ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy for residual nanopesticide analysis in crops and vegetables

Farhatun Najat Maluin^∗, Adam Iman Zairam, Nur Fadhlin Ilyana Noor Suha Azwar and Nurul Amirah Amir Azahary

School of Chemical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia

^*Corresponding author: farhatunnajat@usm.my

Received: 23 September 2025; Revised: 3 July 2025; Accepted: 21 July 2025; Published: 22 August 2025

Abstract

This study reports the development of a modified QuEChERS method combined with UV-Visible spectroscopy for the analysis of residual nanohexaconazole in rubber, chilli, and eggplant matrices. Conventional QuEChERS methods face major limitations, including incomplete removal of matrix interferences and insufficient sensitivity, especially when applied to nanomaterials. Detecting nanopesticides presents additional challenges due to their small particle size, enhanced penetration into plant tissues, and interactions with biological compounds that can alter detection signals. To address these issues, the method was improved using acidified acetonitrile extraction and matrix-matched calibration to enhance both precision and accuracy. The study specifically focuses on detecting the newly developed nanohexaconazole in various matrices, including fruit, leaf, and soil samples. The results revealed strong signal suppression in leaf matrices, particularly in chilli leaf (ME% = -412.2%), followed by eggplant and rubber leaves (ME% = -153.5% and -194.2%). In contrast, eggplant fruit and topsoil showed moderate signal enhancement (ME% = 39.2% and 27.9%). All matrix-specific calibration curves achieved R² values greater than 0.9, confirming excellent linearity. This modified method provides a reliable and accurate approach for the analysis of nanopesticide residue across complex agricultural matrices, thereby supporting food safety monitoring and regulatory compliance.

Keywords: QuEChERs method, nanopesticide, residue analysis, sustainable nanomaterials

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