Evaluation of a Sampling Method Used for the Analysis of Chlorophenoxy Herbicides, N-containing Pesticides and PAHS in Rain Water

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Abstract
The influence of a sampling method for rain water on the quality of the analytical results obtained for pesticides and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was studied. Also the possibility of applying a single sampling method for the analysis of a selected group of chlorophenoxy herbicides, nitrogen containing pesticides and PAHs was evaluated. A conservation experiment was performed using 8 bottles of rain water with known amounts of the components which were sampled at regular time intervals (0, 4, 6 and 8 weeks). The influence of 6 discrete parameters was investigated by varying these parameters using a two level factorial experimental design. The selected parameters were the amounts of the three analysed groups of compounds, the addition of copper sulphate (to eliminate algal growth), the type of rain gauge and the use of open or closed conservation bottles. The samples from the conservation bottles were analysed both on the amount of pesticides and PAHs. Using the present sampling technique the addition of copper sulphate appeared to have a negative influence on the stability of cyanazine and a positive effect on the stability of the chlorophenoxy herbicides. Other parameters which had systematic effects were the fact whether open or closed container bottles were used and the type of rain gauge.