Determination of atrazine residues in water and soil by enzyme immunoassay.

Abstract

Atrazine, a triazine herbicide, is the second most widely used pesticlde in the United States with approximately 79 million pounds of active ingredient being applled each year (Anonymous 1987) as a preor post-emergent weed-control agent in the U.S. for corn, sorghum, sugarcane and pineapple. Because of its extensive use, possible seasonal stability and inadequate toxicological data (Wilson et al. 1987), there is a need for monitoring atrazine in water and soil. Municipal and private water sources should be monitored periodlcally in areas of frequent atrazine use. In soil, atrazine carry over may be injurious to certain rotational crops and thus the soil should be analyzed before planting (Ferris and Haigh 1987).