Removal of Sulfur in Environmental Samples Prior to Gas Chromatographic Analysis for Pesticide Residues

Abstract
Extracts of soil, water, and sediment often contain large amounts of elemental sulfur. This sulfur causes considerable interference in the GLC analysis of early eluting compounds by electron capture or flame photometric detection systems. A method is described whereby sulfur is removed by refluxing with a copper-aluminum alloy. Using a sample volume of 1 ml, up to 50 ppm elemental sulfur can be removed. Recovery of chlorinated pesticides from desulfurized extracts is >80%. Parathion and malathion gave recoveries of approximately 50%.

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