Residues of atrazine and its metabolites after prolonged usage

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Abstract
Zusammenfassung: Atrazine was applied to a field planted to corn (Zea mays L.) for 20 consecutive years at rates ranging from 1.40 to 2.24 kg/ha. Analysis of soil samples taken 6 and 12 months after the final application showed the presence of residues of the parent compound and its mono dealkylated hydroxy analogues. Shoots and roots of oat (Avena saliva L.) plants grown in the field contained hydroxyatrazine (2‐hydroxy‐4‐ethylamino‐6‐isopropylamino‐s‐triazine) and one of its mono dealkylated analogues in the conjugated form. Oats and timothy (Phleum pralense L.) grown in treated soil in a growth cabinet showed similar results. The data suggest that long‐term annual applications of atrazine for weed control in corn result in the persistence of some of its degradation products, mainly hydroxylated analogues, in soil I year after the final herbicide application. It is conceivable that such residues may enter into the food crops planted in atrazine‐treated soil in the year or years following the cessation of a long‐term treatment.