A study of the priority substances of the Water Framework Directive ...

3 Atrazine
� Atrazine is an herbicide used on grassy weeds
and broadleaves.
� Is a persistent carcinogen and endocrine disruptor.
� Not used in Norway for 15 years.
� Found in water and groundwater in Norway,
but not since 1998.
� The potential for long transport is limited due
to short life span in air
� There is no need for further screening or
monitoring of atrazine.
Production and use
Atrazine lost its licence in Norway in 1988 due
to high persistence in soil and groundwater, and
has been banned from use since 1990
(Jordforsk). Banned by the EU from 2003.
Statistics shows that 86 000 kilos of triazines
were imported from 1974 to 1978. From 1979
to 1990 about 85.000 kilos of atrazine was
sold. Main use has been on hard surfaces
(roads, parking lots, tennis courts).
Emissions, discharges,
distribution and hot-spots
According to Norwegian Food Control
Authority, the only user has been the Norwegian
army, as they wanted "a product that could be
spread in solid form". This information has
been provided to the Food Control Authority by
the importeur of the product, it may be incorrect.
Monitoring
Atrazine trends have been monitored in the
JOVÅ Programme.
Fresh water and groundwater
Atrazine has been found in water and groundwater
at levels over a limit set by Jordforsk for
"effects in the environment" (MFI) in the period
1990-1994; after 1994 levels have been low. In
1998, atrazine was found in groundwater at a
waterworks in Nesbyen in Buskerud County.
The levels were below levels considered potentially
harmful for health.
Hot-spots
There are no known hotspots in Norway.
FACTS
Cas no.: 1912-24-9
Synonyms: Atrazin, 6-Chloro-N-ethyl-N'-(1methylethyl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine,
Gesaprim and
others.
Properties: Colourless or white, crystalline powder.
Also available as liquid.
Toxic effects: Slightly toxic, oral LD50 is 3090 mg/kg in
rats. Carcinogenic to animals. Toxic to fish, LC50 4,3
mg/l for guppy. May induce hermaphroditism and
demasculinize the larynges of frogs. On the EU list of
substances with documented endocrine-disrupting
effects. Irritant to skin and eyes.
Log Kow: 2,2 - 2,5
Persistence: Half-life: Longer than 1 year under dry or
cold conditions in soil, longer in groundwater. Air: 14
hours (photochemical). Often found in wells in areas
where it has been used. Low BCF values (0,3-2) suggest
potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms
is low to moderate. (HSDB)
Water solubility: 33-70 mg/l
Molecular formula: C 8 -H 14 -Cl-N 5
Metabolites: N-dealkylation (animals,) hydroxyatrazine
and amino-acid conjungates (plants)
Use: Grassy weeds and broadleaves. Used among
others on asparagus, corn and sorghum. Produced in
several countries in Europe and the US.
atrazine ::::::::::..
Need for further screening and monitoring
The use of atrazine in Norway has been limited,
and atrazine has not been found in the environment
since 1998. Thus, further screening or
monitoring is not considered necessary.
Analysis
The analysis of atrazine is often part of multi
pesticide packages offered by several laboratories.
Methods
The methods are based on direct extraction with
an organic solvent (sediment and biota) or solid
phase extraction (SPE), eventually clean-up with
SPE and separation and quantification with GCbased
methods: GC/MS or GC/ECD, however,
also LC/MS methods can be used.
A study of the priority substances of the Water Framework Directive
TA-2140/2005
15:::..