Detection of atrazine in Hungary by immunoanalytical (ELISA) method

Abstract Triazine herbicides (particularly atrazine) are intensively used in Hungary and present a class of pesticides of significant environmental persistence. To evaluate its environmental impact, a monitoring study for atrazine residues utilizing available ELISA systems has been initiated. In the present study an ELISA kit (EnviroGard Plate Kit) not yet introduced in Hungary and supplied by the US based company, Millipore, has been utilized to monitor the presence and decomposition of triazines in water and soil. As auxiliary techniques, three simple detection systems (TLC, photometry and biotests) were also applied. Soil and surface water samples from agricultural areas and a natural reservoir area in Hungary were analyzed for atrazine residues. Decomposition of atrazine in water and soil were also monitored by the ELISA system. Decomposition experiments in water indicated an initial rapid exponential decomposition rates (80 % within 10–12 days) followed by an apparently stable residue level. Short te...