A rapid micromethod of sample cleanup for gas chromatographic analysis of insecticidal residues in plant, animal, soil, and surface and ground water extracts.

A simple microcolumn chromatographic cleanup method for chlorinated and organophosphorus insecticides has been developed in which a high purity grade 950 of activated silica gel (60-200 mesh) is used. Insecticides are selectively eluted from the adsorbent by different solvent mixtures varying in polarity. Procedures are described for cleanup of residues in plants, grains, animal tissues, soil, and large amounts of ground and surface water.Cleanup is satisfactory for gas chromatographic analysis. All tested insecticides were recovered quantitatively.