Extraction pesticides feathers

[Emilian215]

Hello,

My main goal is to determine the presence (and possibly the concentration) of a series of compounds such as organochlorine pesticides, HCH, and PCB in bird feathers. I want to perform the analysis using HPLC. However, I currently have an issue with choosing the extraction method. I have a large amount of acetonitrile available, so I thought that the best choice, based on the materials I have, would be to use the QuEChERS extraction method. I would like to know if this method is suitable for determining these compounds in a complex matrix like a feather. If so, is there a cheaper alternative for the dSPE step? I am referring to sorbents such as PSA and C₁₈. Is silica gel a suitable alternative?

Thank you very much!

[ChenBeier]

I would recomend a chemical digestion first. Dissolving in conc. sulfuric acid or caustic soda.
After neutralisation a extraction with a solvent can take place.

[michaeljordan]

I would recomend a chemical digestion first. Dissolving in conc. sulfuric acid or caustic soda.
After neutralisation a extraction with a solvent can take place.

In a little more detail, how would it be done step by step? chemical digestion is fairly new.