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Concentrations of Glyphosate, Its Degradation Product, Aminomethylphosphonic Acid, and Glufosinate in Ground- and Surface-Water, Rainfall, and Soil Samples Collected in the United States, 2001-06

By Elisabeth A. Scribner, William A. Battaglin, Robert J. Gilliom, and Michael T. Meyer

Contents | Citation | More information Abstract The U.S. Geological Survey conducted a number of studies from 2001 through 2006 to investigate and document the occurrence, fate, and transport of glyphosate, its degradation product, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), and glufosinate in 2,135 ground- and surface-water samples, 14 rainfall samples, and 193 soil samples. Analytical methods were developed to detect and measure glyphosate, AMPA, and glufosinate in water, rainfall, and soil. Results show that AMPA was detected more frequently and occurred at similar or higher concentrations than the parent compound, glyphosate, whereas glufosinate was seldom found in the environment. Glyphosate and AMPA were detected more frequently in surface water than in ground water. Trace levels of glyphosate and AMPA may persist in the soil from year to year. The methods and data described in this report are useful to researchers and regulators interested in the occurrence, fate, and transport of glyphosate and AMPA in the environment.

Posted August 2007 Download report (10.2 MB)

Contents

Abstract
Introduction

Purpose and Scope
Description of Study Sites
Description and Use of Glyphosate, Aminomethylphosphonic Acid, and Glufosinate
Acknowledgments

Sampling Methods and Procedures

Sampling Sites
Sample Collection and Processing

Analytical Methods and Procedures

Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry and Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Materials

Derivatization of Samples

Water
Soil

Online Solid-Phase Extraction
Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry
Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Quality Assurance

Sample Collection
Internal Standards
Laboratory Blank
Laboratory Spike
Instrumental Analysis Quality Control

Concentrations of Glyphosate, Aminomethylphosphonic Acid, and Glufosinate

State Cooperative Studies
National Stream Quality Accounting Network (NASQAN) Program
National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program
Toxic Substances Hydrology (Toxics) Program

Reconnaissance Data From 51 Streams in Nine Midwestern States
Lower Mississippi River Basin
Sensitive Environments Study
Leary Weber Ditch Basin, Indiana

Summary
References Cited
Data Tables

Report Citation

More Information