Objective In the present paper, the influences of matrix effect (ME) to the quantification of imidacloprid, thiamethoxam and clothianidin in ginger and banana were evaluated, and especially, the influencing factors and compensating means of matrix effect in LC-MS/MS analysis were proposed. Methods In this research, the matrix effects of three neonicotinoid insecticides in ginger and banana were evaluated by LC-MS/MS analysis after QuEChERS pretreatment. Both matrix-matched calibration curves and solvent calibration curves were established for the assessment of matrix effect. Results The linear regression coefficients of the matrix-matched calibration curves were all above 0.999 and the precision of the measured sample results was better than that of the solvent standard. The recoveries and relative standard deviations of all compounds at matrix-matched calibration curves were 86.7%~103.0% and 2.1%~8.3%, respectively. Conclusion Matrix effects can compromise the precision and accuracy of the analysis results. These results also indicated that matrix effects were mainly affected by matrix concentration, the types and samples of matrices and the overall chemical structure of the pesticide. The linear regression coefficients and precision as well as accuracy were more satisfactory for all the pesticides when matrix-matched standard was used, which reflected an excellent compensating means of matrix effect. This can improve the accuracy of quantitative results, which is feasible in routine testing, and is of great significance for ensuring the quality and safety of ginger and banana products.

neonicotinoid insecticides  /  pesticides residue determination  /  matrix effect  /  liquid chromatography mass spectrometry