Update: 29 September, 2023
This article describes the application of Varian's 320-MS triple quadrupole LC/MS/MS system in the direct aqueous injection and automated on-line solid phase extraction (SPE) analysis of phenoxy herbicides in drinking water. Phenoxy herbicides are a class of chemicals related to the growth hormone indoleacetic acid. Contact with broad-leaf plants induces rapid, uncontrolled growth, killing the affected plants. Phenoxy herbicides are widely used to selectively destroy broad-leaved weeds amongst wheat or corn crops. The best-known phenoxy herbicides are 2,4-dichlorophenoxy-acetic acid (2,4-D) and 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T). 2,4,5-T itself is only moderately toxic, with an oral LD50 of 389 mg/kg. However, the manufacturing process for 2,4,5-T contaminates this chemical with trace amounts of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), which is reported to be extremely toxic to humans. 2,4-D has not been reported as being contaminated with TCDD, however it is one of the most widely used herbicides in the world and is a regulated drinking water contaminant in the United States and other countries.
File format: PDF
Size: -
MD5 Checksum: 7262E42625D189218DC1A465E326FE1D
Publication date: 12 June, 2012
Downloads: -