Simultaneous fluometuron and norflurazon analysis in soil extracts and leachates

Abstract

Rapid, methanol‐extraction techniques for fluometuron (N, N‐dimethyl‐N'‐[3‐(trifluoromethyl) phenyl] urea) and norflurazon (4‐chloro‐5‐(methylamino)‐2‐(3‐(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)‐3(2(H)‐pyridazinone) from fortified soils have been reported to attain >90% recoveries. Analytical methods involving chromatographic separation coupled with fluorescence detection have also been described. The objectives of this study were to describe an analytical method for the simultaneous detection of fluometuron and norflurazon using ultraviolet spectro‐scopy in soil leachates and extracts and to examine the influence of residence time on herbicide recovery from fortified soil. The analytical method requires a gradient HPLC system, a reverse‐phase C‐18 column, and ultraviolet spectroscopy at a wavelength of 240 nm. The method is characterized by high reproducibility (spike recovery and diluted sample results are generally within 10% of the expected herbicide concentrations), low limits of detection (less than 1 (μg/L in soil leachates and 20 μg/L in soil extracts, depending on organic carbon content), and an applicable concentration range of more than two orders of magnitude. The recovery of fluometuron and norflurazon from fortified soils was significantly influenced by equilibration time, loading rate, and soil type (assuming zero chemical degradation). Most significantly, as herbicide contact time with the soil increased, recovery decreased. Thus, herbicide recoveries determined in the laboratory may not provide a true measure of herbicide recoveries from field soils.