Analysis of the plant growth regulator chlormequat in soil and water by means of liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, pressurised liquid extraction, and solid-phase extraction

• Published in: Journal of Chromatography A 2009-03, Vol.1216 (12), p.2504-2510
• Main Authors: Henriksen, Trine, Juhler, René K., Brandt, Gyrite, Kjær, Jeanne
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analysis methods; Analytical chemistry; Applied sciences; Chemistry; Chlormequat-chloride; Chlorocholine chloride; Chromatographic methods and physical methods associated with chromatography; Exact sciences and technology; Groundwater; Natural water pollution; Other chromatographic methods; Pollution; Pressurised liquid extraction; Quaternary ammonium herbicides; Soil and sediments pollution; Water treatment and pollution
• ISSN: 0021-9673
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2009.01.050

We present a new, precise and accurate method for quantitative analysis of chlormequat in soil and aqueous matrices. The method, which is based on LC–MS/MS, pressurised liquid extraction and solid-phase extraction, is eminently suitable for studying the fate of chlormequat in the soil environment. The limit of detection is 0.003–0.008 μg/L for rainwater, surface water and groundwater and 0.07–0.4 μg/kg for soil. In water samples amended to 0.04 μg/L, precision is better than 10%. The residual content of chlormequat in three agricultural topsoils analysed 4 months after its application was 23–55 μg/kg (12–23% of the amount applied). No trace of chlormequat was detected in groundwater from 66 water supply wells located in rural areas treated with chlormequat.