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

..:::::::::: simazine
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29 Simazine
� Simazine has been used as herbicide to control
grasses and broadleaves. It has also been
used to clean aquariums, swimming pools etc.
� The substance was banned in Norway in
1995 and in EU in 2003.
� The levels in Norwegian environment are relatively
low, and the use is phased out.
� Further screening or monitoring is not regarded
necessary.
Production and use
Simazine is used as herbicide against annual
grasses and broad-leaved weeds in agriculture
and forestry. The substance kills algae, and has
been used in swimming pools, ponds, aquariums
and cooling towers since the 1950ties. Simazine
was removed from the Norwegian marked by
the importer in 1995, as the product was
restricted due to high persistence and high toxicity
for algae. There are no entries in the
Norwegian Product Register since 1995.
Simazine was banned in the EU from 2003.
From 1979 to 1996 about 75 000 kilos of
simazine were sold in Norway, peaking in 1988
with more than 7 000 kilos sold.
Emissions, discharges,
distribution and hot-spots
The main source for emissions in Norway is
agricultural use.
Monitoring
Simazine is monitored in JOVÅ.
Fresh water
Simazine in has been thoroughly monitored in
several streams and rivers in Eastern and South
Western Norway. Simazine was found in six
rivers and streams and in approximately 10 %
of the samples taken, but in low concentrations.
Need for further screening and monitoring
Simazine is prohibited throughout Europe, and
levels in the environment are low. No further
screening is regarded necessary.
Analysis
The analysis of simazine is often part of multi
pesticide packages offered by several laboratories.
A study of the priority substances of the Water Framework Directive
TA-2140/2005
FACTS
Cas no.: 122-34-9
Synonyms: Simazin, 2-chloro-4,6-bis(ethylamino)-1,3,5triazine
gesatop 50 (50%), fisons simazin 50 (50%),
radex framed 50 WP (50%), hora-mazine 50 (50%)
Aquazine, Caliber, Cekusan, Cekusima, Framed,
Gesatop, Primatol S, Princep, Simadex, Simanex, Sim-
Trol, Tanzine and Totazine.
Properties: White powder.
Toxic effects: Simazine is not considered toxic for
humans; for technical simazine oral LD50 in rats is >
5000 mg/kg. However, simazine is toxic to sheep and
cattle (500/mg/kg is fatal dose). Simazine is irritating
to eyes in large doses. Simazine has low toxicity for
fish, LC50 rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is >
100 mg/l, but it is more toxic to invertebrates.
Log Kow: 2,4
Persistence: Half life for simazine is 22 hours in air, up
to 149 days in soil and more than 30 days in water,
but these numbers depending on many factors.
Plants that are sensitive to simazine accumulate the
substance. (EXTOXNET)
DT50 in soil = median value is 49 days,
DT50 in aerobic water = mean value of 61 days.
(CIRCA)
Water solubility: 5 - 6,2 mg/l
Molecular formula: C 7 -H 12 -Cl-N 5
Metabolites: N-Desethyl simazine and hydroxy
simazine.
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.
Synergy with other analyses
Sample extraction and clean-up can be co-ordinated
with the analysis of other pesticides which
can be analysed by GC/MS especially other triazine-type
herbicides as for example cyanacine
or atrazine.