CHROMATOGRAPHIC METHODS IN THE DETERMINATION OF HERBICIDE RESIDUES INCROPS, FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL-SAMPLES

The state of the art of chromatographic methods used in the determinat ion of herbicide residues in crops, food and environmental samples is reviewed. The main structural groups of herbicides, i.e., triazines, p henyl- and sulphonylureas. carbamates, uracils and phenoxyalkanoic and arylphenoxypropanoic acids, and important degradation products (dealk ylated triazines, substituted anilines, chlorophenols) are considered. Advantages and drawbacks of gas (GC), liquid (LC) and thin-layer chro matography in this type of analysis are discussed. The characteristics of a modern chromatographic method for the determination of herbicide residues are summarized and trends in the development and combination of current GC and LC methods discussed.