Residual phosmet and thiabendazole in apples was analyzed with gold nanoparticles for SERS.
Trace phosmet and thiabendazole could be detected at levels as low as 0.5 μg/g and 0.1 μg/g in apple.
Different gold nanoparticles as SERS substrates were compared in an attempt to achieve optimal enhancement effects.
The novel method shows great potential for analysis of trace contaminants in food.