Capillary electrophoresis with ultraviolet detection (CE/UV) of select
ed fungicides (carbendazim, metalaxyl, propiconazole, and vinclozolin)
using different buffer compositions was investigated. Capillary zone
electrophoresis (CZE) with 10 mM sodium phosphate (pH 7.0) was not use
ful in separating the four fungicides used in this study. However, the
four fungicides were well resolved by employing micellar electrokinet
ic capillary chromatography (MEKC). Among the two surfactants tested i
n MEKC, bile salts provided better separation compared to sodium dodec
yl sulfate (SDS). A buffer consisting of 10 mM sodium phosphate with 1
00 mM sodium cholate and 10% methanol (pH 7.0) gave best results; exce
llent separation of the four compounds was achieved in less than 15 mi
n. The CE/UV method was validated by analyzing deionized and lake-wate
r samples fortified with known concentrations of the four fungicides.
Average recoveries of the fungicides in lake water at 4 mu g/L level r
anged from 42 to 87%.