Abstract

In this work, the utility of gaschromatography-ion mass-spectrometry for the screening on pesticides in water has been studied. Essential for screening purposes is that the presence of compounds of interest can be shown by the method in a relatively rapid and simple but reliable way. The present study has been restricted to the group of organophosphoreus pesticides of which approximately 75 compounds are used in the Netherlands and hence can occur in the environment. Of 62 out of 65 pesticides examined, electron impact and chemical ionization spectra have been obtained and relative retention indices (relative to parathion) have been determined. Detection limits ranged between 50- 500 pg on column for compounds having good GC properties. 500-5000 pg were needed for some compounds having poor GC properties.