OBJECTIVETo establish a method for determining glyphosate in the air of workplaces by ion chromatography.

METHODSUltra-fine glass fiber filter paper was used to collect glyphosate from the workplace air. After being ultrasonically eluted with deionized water, samples were determined by ion chromatography using a conductivity detector.

RESULTSWithin the range of 0.05-1.00 mg/L, a linear relationship was found with a limit of detection of 0.003 mg/m(3). The minimum detectable concentration was 0.000 41 mg/m(3) (calculated by sampling 75 L of air). For three different concentrations of glyphosate, the intra-batch relative standard deviations (RSDs) were 1.8%, 1.6%, and 0.8%, respectively, and the inter-batch RSDs were 1.9%, 2.1%, and 2.2%, respectively. The recovery rate ranged from 94.8% to 97.4%. The elution efficiency ranged from 94.5% to 96.7%. The sampling efficiency was 100%. Samples could be stored at room temperature for at least 7 days.

CONCLUSIONThis presented method meets the requirements of Guide for establishing occupational health standards-Part 4: Determination methods of air chemicals in workplace and is feasible for determination of glyphosate in the air of workplaces.