New testing being introduced for our Environmental customers

1) Acidherbs in water by LCMSMS now accredited

As part of our continuous drive to improve the quality of data we produce, we have developed a test method for Acid Herbicides (e.g. 2,4-D, 2,4,5-T etc) by LCMSMS. The use of the LCMSMS means that derivatisation (in this case methylation) is no longer required. We have also added some new compounds into the suite - Acifluorfen, Endothal, Oryzalin, Tetrachlorophenol (breakdown product of PCP).

2) Sulfonyl Ureas in water and soil by LCMSMS

Sulfonyl Ureas are a class of very potent herbicides that are relatively non-toxic to humans. Compounds such as metsulfuron-methyl are the active ingredients in common sprays such as Answer and Escort. Because of their toxicity to plants, the methods developed are very sensitive with soil detection limits in the sub-ppb (part per billion) range, and the water in the ppt (part per trillion) range.

3) Alkylquats in water by LCMSMS

The Alkyl Quaternary Ammonium Compounds suite includes Didecyldimethylammonium Chloride (DDAC), Benzalkonium Chloride (BAC, quantified as the C14 homologue), 3-iodo-2-propylnylbutyl carbamate (IPBC) and dodine. DDAC and BAC are common cationic surfactants and although IPBC is not an alkyl quaternary ammonium compound, it is typically included in DDAC formulations for use in the timber industry as an anitisapstain agent. Similarly Dodine, while not technically an alkyl quat, has been included in this suite as we occasionally receive requests to analyse for this fungicide.

4) Methoprene in water by LCMSMS

Methoprene is used in drinking water cisterns and water treatment stations to control mosquitoes. It is also used on pasture and crops to control a range of insects. It is essentially non-toxic to humans and acts by preventing insects reaching maturity, thus breaking the life cycle. Methoprene is readily degraded in sunlight and by microbial activity to the extent that analysis for methoprene must be undertaken within 5 days.

5) Imidacloprid in soil by LCMSMS

Imidacloprid is a chlorinated analogue of nicotine, and is used as an insecticide in a wide variety of applications. It is somewhat controversial as French beekeepers blame the pesticide for the drastic decline of wild bee populations in their country, however its manufacturers cite independent studies confirming it has no adverse effects on bees, and that the decline of bees is due to the increase in varroa mite.