Abstract:An analytical method based on a modified QuEChERS sample preparation technique combined with high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) was developed for the simultaneous determination of tebufloquin and its metabolite (tebufloquin-desacetyl) residues in plant-derived foods. Following extraction with a citrate-acetonitrile solution, the sample extract was purified using C18, PAX, and a novel adsorbent, XFM64 (nitrogen-doped multi-walled carbon nanotubes). Chromatographic separation was performed on a C18 column with a gradient elution of methanol and an aqueous solution containing 0.1% formic acid and 2 mmol·L-1 ammonium acetate. Detection was carried out in electrospray positive ionization (ESI+) and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) modes, and quantification was achieved using a matrix-matched external standard method.Validation results in eight matrices including grape, cucumber, and pear demonstrated satisfactory performance: good linearity was observed for the target compounds (r2>0.9977), with limits of detection (LOD) ranging from 0.03 to 0.30 μg·kg-1 and limits of quantification (LOQ) from 0.10 to 1.00 μg·kg?1. At three fortified levels of 1.0, 2.0, and 10.0 μg·kg?1, the average recoveries ranged from 80.04% to 115.02%, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) between 0.76% and 13.37%. All performance indicators met the detection requirements for pesticide residues in plant-derived foods stipulated by regulations such as those of the European Union and Japan. This study provides a theoretical foundation for the import and export inspection of such pesticides in plant-derived foods in China.