An HS-SPME method was developed using multivariate experimental designs, which was conducted in
two stages. The significance of each factor was estimated using the Plackett–Burman (P–B) design, for
the identification of significant factors, followed by the optimization of the significant factors using
central composite design (CCD). The multivariate experiment involved the use of Minitab statistical
software for the generation of a 27–4 P–B design and CCD matrices. The method performance evaluated
with internal standard calibration method produced good analytical figures of merit with linearity ranging
from 1 to 500 lg/kg with correlation coefficient greater than 0.99, LOD and LOQ were found between
0.35 and 8.33 lg/kg and 1.15 and 27.76 lg/kg respectively. The average recovery was between 73% and
118% with relative standard deviation (RSD = 1.5–14%) for all the investigated pesticides. The multivariate
method helps to reduce optimization time and improve analytical throughput.