Analysis of herbicide residues by gas chromatography

The extraction and clean‐up, and gas Chromatographic conditions for the detection and determination of herbicides, their metabolites and related compounds are reviewed. The literature material is examined critically in the text and presented in tabular form for quick reference. The section dealing with extraction/clean‐up techniques is sub‐divided with respect to water, soil, plant material, animal, fish and micro‐organisms. Under eight herbicide group headings the important gas Chromatographic parameters such as stationary phase, support phase, column temperature and mode of detection are tabulated. Also tabulated are the application of various detectors to herbicide analyses and limits of detection where information was available. Most commonly used liquid and support phases are listed and their frequency of use given. Different aspects of derivative formation used for the positive identification and quantitation of herbicides are discussed with emphasis on esterification, alkylation and silylation. Other important conversion techniques are outlined, particularly those associated with enhancement of sensitivity e.g. bromination, iodination, dinitrophenylation etc. Efforts that have been made towards general and automated analytical methods are discussed.