HPLC Analysis of Organophosphate Pesticides

Organophosphate pesticides irreversibly inactivate acetylcholinesterase, which is essential to nerve function in insects, humans, and many other animals. Organophosphate pesticides degrade rapidly by hydrolysis on exposure to sunlight, air, and soil, although small amounts can be detected in food and drinking water. In this application note from Cecil Instruments a method for the analysis of organophosphates is demonstrated. Methyl parathion, Dichlorvos, Ethoprophos and Azinphos were efficiently separated using the Hypersil Hypurity Aquastar RP18 analytical column and the Adept HPLC Series System 2 with on-line solvent degasser and CE 4200 UV-Visible detector.