HIGH-PERFORMANCE LIQUID-CHROMATOGRAPHIC DETERMINATION OF ATRAZINE, DEISOPROPYLATRAZINE AND DEETHYLATRAZINE IN SOILS FROM CORN FIELDS

A reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) assay of atrazine, deisopropylatrazine and deethylatrazine in soil samples from corn fields (treated with atrazine) is described. Soil (50 g) was homogenized, treated in an ultrasonic bath and extracted with methanol. The extract was purified on an aluminium oxide column, Sep-Pack C18 cartridges (atrazine only) and acrodisc filters. HPLC was performed on a LiChrosorb RP-18 5-mu-m column using a mobile phase of acetonitrile-water (35:65, v/v for atrazine and 20:80, v/v for the metabolites). The method was validated by ultraviolet diode-array spectroscopy and verified by capillary gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The method is suitable for monitoring atrazine concentrations in soil from corn fields; it may also be used for routine measurements and for controlling correct atrazine dosing to avoid the misuse of the pesticide.