Extraction and Analysis of Acephate from Soil and Water Samples by using SOLLE and LLE with Thin Layer Chromatography, UV-Visible Spectrophotometry and Gas Chromatography.

Abstract

Acephate is an organophosphate insecticide that has been used to control a wide range of pests, including insects, mites, and nematodes. It is commonly used in agricultural settings, as well as for residential and commercial pest control. In water, acephate can undergo degradation through hydrolysis, particularly under alkaline conditions. The half-life of acephate in water can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on factors such as pH and temperature. After degradation, the primary breakdown product is methamidophos, which can also exhibit toxicity to aquatic organisms. In soil, acephate can undergo various processes, including degradation, adsorption, and leaching. The persistence of acephate in soil depends on factors such as soil type, organic matter content, pH, and microbial activity. In general, acephate has a moderate to high potential for adsorption to soil particles, which can reduce its mobility and availability for degradation. The half-life of acephate in soil can range from a few weeks to several months.A rapid and highly sensitive UV-visible Spectrophotometer were used for the qualitative analysis of Acephate in soil and water. A solution of 500ppm Acephate powder was spiked in soil and water. The analyte was extracted using Sugaring/Salting Out Liquid Liquid Extraction (SOLLE) and Liquid Liquid Extraction (LLE). The solvent used for SOLLE method was Acetonitrile, Hexane and Acetone for LLE. The extract were analysed by Thin Layer Chromatography, Gas Chromatography. Thin Layer chromatography was performed to find the best solvent system for Acephate. Gas Chromatography and UV-Visible spectrophotometer were used for quantification.