Analytical methods pesticide formulation

Pesticides may enter the atmosphere during spray applications of the formulated product, by volatilization, through management practices, via wind-distributed soil particles containing absorbed pesticides, etc. Several analytical methods have been reported over the last 30 years for the determination of pesticides in air, and all involve the passage of known volumes of air for a pre-defined time period through an adsorbent material to trap the desired analytes. These analytes are then extracted, concentrated, and analyzed. A few analytical methods have been reported for the determination of triazine compounds in air in the last decade. 

Specifications for formulated or technical pesticides must be based on satisfactory analytical methods. Collaborative study methods that are acceptable to a number of international organizations are available through CIPAC-AOAC cooperation. Internationally, more effective use of current analytical methodology could result from increased efforts towards harmonization of methods and terminology. 

Although relatively simple analytical methods are sometimes useful for formulation analysis, it is important to recognize the problems inherent in non-specific methods and also the need to detect and measure potentially harmful contaminants in technical pesticides or formulations. 

This publication is a reservoir of references for analytical methods for the determination of SRMs for pesticides and insecticides. This also includes references for the analysis of commercial pesticide products. Pesticides and insecticides used worldwide are listed in alphabetical order. Each entry in the manual deals with a single pesticide and lists the properties, types of formulations in which the product is used, and toxicological properties, as well as reference(s) for analysis. 

The proof of activity of a biological pesticide is typically evaluated by a standardized bioassay except in the case of microbial metabolites where the major active ingredient(s) may be measured by analytical methods. Biological activity measurements, besides serving as a parameter for quality control, are an essential tool in the product development and optimization process. It is important to define the assay procedure in order to compare production batches and experimental formulations. These assays are typically used for product release or may be designed to assess specific aspects of product activity such as mobility in soils, colonization on leaf surface, etc. 

T. Cairns and J. Sherma, eds.. Comprehensive Analytical Profiles of Important Pesticides, CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fla., 1992, 304 pp. From the series ModemMethods for Pesticide Analysis, provides detailed information on properties and analytical methodology for nine prominent pesticides, pyrethroids, and fumigants in food. Includes formulations and uses, chemical and physical properties, toxicity data, and tolerances on various foods and feeds. Analytical information may be given in enough detail for methods to be carried out without having to consult additional Hterature sources. 

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