More efficient detection of glyphosate in (drinking) water

Detecting ionic and water-soluble pesticides, such as glyphosate, in (drinking) water and food is relatively difficult and cumbersome using the traditional method. Wim Broer from NofaLab has found a more efficient method that also allows more types of pesticides to be found.

Pesticides such as glyphosate, used in Monsanto's pesticide Roundup, among others, are controversial. There is no clear research yet that proves that glyphosates are carcinogenic, but the demand for detection of this pesticide and others is growing. In addition, there is concern that these products have a negative impact on the natural plant population.

Wim Broer of Nofalab states that the current HPLC and HILIC methods, which use extraction and chromatography in laboratories, are relatively cumbersome, labor-intensive and expensive. In addition, certain pesticides, such as glufosinate, chlorate, fosetyl, ethephone, chlorate, bromide and maleic anhydride and their metabolites, are only detected after applying four or more methods.

Fast detection

The NofaLab researcher has developed a different methodology. The company applies one for this liquid chromatographycolumn in one method switching reverse phase-system. Broer: “I have developed a robust, stable chromatographic analysis in combination with a sensitive mass spectrometer. This method is faster than the old one and can also detect a total of eleven connections.”

In addition to detection of ionic pesticides in foods, the method can also be applied to measurements in drinking water with some minor adjustments to the measuring process. Moreover, Broer claims that his measuring method is cheaper to perform than existing tests.

Details about the new method, which has been baptized QUPPE, will be further explained by Broer during the WoTS. You can use the reading, part of it Trending Topics in Food & Beverage Seminar, on Thursday 4 October in the Jaarbeurs Utrecht. Admission to WoTS 2018 is after registration free.