Analysis of Triazine Pesticides Using a Core Enhanced Technology Accucore HPLC Column

Significance of the Topic

The analysis of triazine herbicides and pesticides is critical for ensuring food safety and environmental protection. Triazines inhibit photosynthesis and are widely applied in agriculture, but residues can pose health risks. A rapid, high-resolution method supports routine monitoring and regulatory compliance.

Objectives and Article Overview

This application note describes a fast high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method using a Thermo Scientific Accucore C18 core-enhanced column. The goal was to achieve baseline separation of six triazine compounds within three minutes, while maintaining low system backpressure and high reproducibility.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• Sample Preparation: A 1,000 µg/mL triazine stock was made in acetonitrile and diluted with water to working concentrations.
• Column: Accucore C18 (2.6 µm, 100 × 2.1 mm).
• HPLC System: Thermo Scientific Accela HPLC/UHPLC, column temperature 40 °C, flow rate 0.60 mL/min, injection volume 2 µL.
• Detection: PDA/UV at 280 nm.
• Mobile Phase: A = water, B = acetonitrile; gradient from 65:35 A/B to 30:70 over 2.5 min, then re-equilibration.

Main Results and Discussion

The six target analytes (simazine, simetryn, atrazine, ametryn, propazine, prometryn) separated in under three minutes with retention time RSDs below 0.2 %. The core-enhanced 2.6 µm particles delivered high efficiency and lower backpressure (~298 bar) compared to sub-2 µm materials, enabling fast runs without exceeding instrument limits.

Benefits and Practical Applications of the Method

• Rapid throughput: complete analysis in 3 min accelerates routine screening.
• Low backpressure: compatibility with standard HPLC systems.
• High reproducibility: retention time RSD <0.2 % for reliable quantitation.

Future Trends and Applications

Advances in core-shell particle chemistry may further reduce analysis times and improve peak capacity. Integration with mass spectrometry could expand applications to trace-level residue analysis. Automation and miniaturization efforts will support field-deployable testing and high-throughput laboratories.

Conclusion

The Accucore C18 column provides a robust solution for fast, precise separation of triazine pesticides. Its core-enhanced design balances efficiency and backpressure, making it ideal for high-throughput environmental and food safety laboratories.

References

• Khan A. Analysis of Triazine Pesticides Using a Core Enhanced Technology Accucore HPLC Column. Thermo Fisher Scientific Application Note ANCCSCETPEST, 2011.