Determination of presence of fungicides by their common metabolite, 3,5-DCA, in compost.

This paper describes the determination of 3,5-DCA in commercial composts, a common metabolite in a class of fungicides, and dicarboximides (Vinclozolin, Chlozolinate, Iprodione, Procymidone) which are commonly used in agriculture. The extracts, obtained in acetonitrile by sonication, are analysed by HPLC/DAD without clean-up. This method has shown several advantages: reduced manipulation of samples, good recovery (80-90%) and good reproducibility (RSD% <7). The limit of detection (DL) of the analytical method has been estimated as 15 microg/kg for the common metabolite, and 35-145 microg/kg for the four fungicides in the matrices.