Quantitative determination of diquat and paraquat in drinking water via EPA method 549.2

Diquat and paraquat are some of the most widely used and commercially available herbicides in the world. Both compounds are fast-acting, non-selective quaternary amines used primarily in the agricultural industries to control the penetration of invasive plants and increase crop yield. While these compounds have proven to be effective in herbicides, they also have been proven to be toxic to humans upon exposure. This toxicity and widespread availability has led to instances where individuals have issued fatal doses to humans. In turn, this has led to strict guidelines worldwide involving the use of diquat and paraquat in the agricultural community.