Chemical analysis and biotest in the assessment of nicosulfuron soil pollution

The assessment of soil pollution exposed to nicosulfuron can be conducted through chemical analysis, by determination of residue quantity, and biotests. In this research, the field dissipation study of nicosulfuron herbicide in soil under maize, was conducted in controled conditions. Nicosulfuron residue in top soil layers were determined by HPLC-DAD, while nicosulfuron extraction was performed by modified QuEChERS method. In five months period, from the first application at the manufacturer’s recommended concentration, until harvest, nicosulfuron concentration decreased over time from 0.95 mg/kg to 0.12 mg/kg. In order to evaluate phytotoxicity of nicosulfuron on susceptible crops, Triticum vulgare L.and Beta vulgaris L.were used as test plants. Inhibitory action of nicosulfuron on the studied species was proved on the basis of the obtained results, by studying the morphological parameters, roots and above-ground seedlings lengths (mm), i.e. length of shoot