Simultaneous determination of aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor, and p,p '-DDT in medicinal plant extracts using a novel high performance liquid chromatography method

A high performance liquid chromatographic method for the simultaneous deter mination of five organochlorine pesticides (aldrin, p,p'-DDT, dieldrin, end rin, and heptachlor) was developed. The method was used to determine the le vels of these pesticides in medicinal plant samples. Analysis was carried o ut using a Merck LiChrospher 100 RP C-18 (5 mu m) column with a gradient so lvent system of acetonitrile-water and PDA UV detection (224 nm). Quantific ation was carried out by the external standard method. The limit of detecti on for the utilized method was below the local legal limits (ANZFA) for sim ilar plant materials for all 5 pesticides excepting endrin. Medicinal plant extracts were further analyzed by conventional GC-ECD and GC-NPD means usi ng SPE and GPC cleanup as required.