Pesticides in the atmosphere

Summary A method is described for the determination of pesticides — i.e. insecticides, herbicides and fungicides — in rain. Samples were taken periodically since May, 1990. The results of these measurements allow to extend the knowledge on the distribution of pesticides in the atmosphere after application. Agents from 100 ml–1 l rain samples are enriched by solid-phase extraction and then detected by gas chromatography or RP-liquid chromatography. Results received by gas chromatography are confirmed by GC-MS or RP-liquid chromatography, respectively.