SIMPLIFIED REVERSED-PHASE CONDITIONS FOR THE DETERMINATION OF BENZIMIDAZOLE FUNGICIDES IN FRUITS BY HIGH-PERFORMANCE LIQUID-CHROMATOGRAPHY WITH UV DETECTION

An analytical method was developed for determination of benzimidazole fungicides (carbendazim and thiabendazole) in fruits. Analyses were pe rformed by HPLC with simple operating conditions. The use of a Kromasi l new-generation silica-based stationary phase needed neither pH regul ators nor competing compounds, usually added to the mobile phase to an alyse basic compounds on reversed stationary phase. Validation studies proved that the chromatographic method had good repeatability, reprod ucibility and limit of detection, Sample preparation involved extracti on with acetone followed by solvent partitioning with dichloromethane and petroleum ether. Extracts were purified through selective diol-bon ded silica cartridges, replacing the usual laborious liquid-liquid par titioning procedure. Validation studies proved that the global method had satisfactory repeatability and recovery. Limits of detection were about 0.06 mg/kg. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.