Residue determination of some insecticides and fungicides on grapes by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography

Status and advances in technologies for phosphorus species detection and characterization in natural environment- A comprehensive review

Poor recovery of phosphorus (P) across natural environment (water, soil, sediment, and biological sources) is causing rapid depletion of phosphate rocks and continuous accumulation of P in natural waters, resulting in deteriorated water quality and aquatic lives. Accurate detection and characterization of various P species using suitable analytical methods provide a comprehensive understanding of the biogeochemical cycle of P and thus help its proper management in the environment. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the analytical methods used for P speciation in natural environment by dividing them into five broad categories (i.e., chemical, biological, molecular, staining microscopy, and sensors) and highlighting the suitability (i.e., targeted species, sample matrix), detection limit, advantages-limitations, and reference studies of all methods under each category. This can be useful in designing studies involving P detection and characterization across environmental matrices by providing insights about a wide range of analytical methods based on the end user application needs of individual studies.

Multiresidue method for fourteen fungicides in white grapes by liquid-liquid and solid-phase extraction followed by liquid chromatography-diode array detection

A quantitative, selective and sensitive HPLC method for the analysis of 14 fungicides in white grapes for vinification is described. The proposed method is based on liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) and solid-phase extraction (SPE) followed by liquid chromatography and diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). Dichloromethane-acetone (75:25, v/v) was the most appropriate solvent mix for extracting fungicides in white grapes. Silica cartridges resulted the most appropriate for extract purification purposes. Quality parameters of the proposed multiresidue method presented good recovery (ca. 85% for almost all target compounds) and precision (between 1.5 and 16%), and detection limits lower than maxima residual limits set by the 76/895/ECC and 90/642/ECC Directive. Five different white grapes for vinification produced in Rias Baixas area in Galicia (NW Spain) were analyzed in order to assess the performance of the method with real samples and to determine whether the concentration of the pesticides used exceed their maxima residue levels (MRLs). Results showed that grape concentrations for those identified fungicides were lower than those established by European legislation.

Determination and identification of metabolites of the fungicides Iprodione and Procymidone in compost

The main metabolites formed from Iprodione and Procymidone during the composting process have been isolated and identified by HPLC-DAD-MSD. After addition of the fungicides to the composting pile, we monitored the reaction of the two analytes and the formation of their degradation products for eight months. We verified the nature of the metabolites by comparison with those hypothesised in the literature and by comparison with the behaviour of an abiotic process in aqueous acetonitrile pH 6 and at 35 degrees C. After taking into account the different kinetic behaviours of the fungicides on degradation in compost and hydro-organic solution, breakdown pathways are proposed for biodegradation.

Determination of presence of fungicides by their common metabolite, 3,5-DCA, in compost

This paper describes the determination of 3,5-DCA in commercial composts, a common metabolite in a class of fungicides, and dicarboximides (Vinclozolin, Chlozolinate, Iprodione, Procymidone) which are commonly used in agriculture. The extracts, obtained in acetonitrile by sonication, are analysed by HPLC/DAD without clean-up. This method has shown several advantages: reduced manipulation of samples, good recovery (80-90%) and good reproducibility (RSD% <7). The limit of detection (DL) of the analytical method has been estimated as 15 microg/kg for the common metabolite, and 35-145 microg/kg for the four fungicides in the matrices.

Detector for organophosphorus compounds in liquid chromatography based on the cholinesterase inhibition reaction

A sensitive method for the post-column reaction detection of organophosphorus compounds is described. The method relies on cholinesterase and is particularly suitable for the analysis of potent inhibitors such as sarin, soman and tabun. The compounds are separated by reversed-phase chromatography with methanol-water as the mobile phase in a linear gradient system. The reactor used for the detection comprises conventional autoanalyzer equipment with air segmentation of the reactor stream. The detection limits are 10 pg for sarin and soman and 60 pg for tabun. A quantitation method is presented, based on the linear correlation between the residual enzyme activity and the inhibitor concentration. The repeatability is +/- 1%. As a test of the system, the model compounds were detected against a background of urban air.

Post-column reaction detection system for the determination of organophosphorus compounds by liquid chromatography

The development and application of a post-column reaction detection system for organophosphorus compounds based upon their photodegradation to ortho-phosphate followed by the formation of reduced heteropolymolybdate is reported. Photodegradation occurs in a fused-silica tube coiled about a 450-W xenon lamp in the presence of ammonium peroxydisulfate. Photodegradation yields were practically quantitative for the organophosphates, -phosphonates, and -phosphorodithioates tested. Factors affecting the rate of the chromogenic reaction were optimized so that its contribution to the total band-broadening was negligible. The effect of interfering organic modifiers in the mobile phase was studied using the acetate ion as a model. Separations were developed using no organic solvents in the mobile phases. The determination of dialkylphosphates in urine and organophosphorus pesticides in tomatoes illustrate the potential of the methodology.