Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry Analytical Methodology Development for Toxaphene by High Resolution Gas Chromatography / High Resolution Mass Spectrometry with Electron Capture Negative Ionization

ORGANOHALOGEN COMPOUNDS – Volume 66 (2004) 217 Introduction Toxaphene is a broad-spectrum insecticide, was one of the most heavily used agricultural chemicals on a global scale, especially against pests in cotton field and vegetable farms. Basically, commercial production of toxaphene involves the reaction of camphene, chlorine activated by ultraviolet radiation and certain catalysts to yield chlorinated camphene with chlorine content of 67 to 69% by weight. Environmental hazards and increasing public concerns associated with toxaphene are reviewed. By 1974, cumulative world use of toxaphene was, estimated as 450,000 metric tons. Production of toxaphene declined from 1973 to 1980; however, annual consumption in 1980 was estimated as 105,000 tons, thus qualifying toxaphene as one of the most heavily utilized agricultural chemicals. Toxaphene is extremely persistent in soil and waters, with documented half times of 9 to 11 years. Toxaphene is especially hazardous to non-target marine and freshwater organisms, with death recorded at ambient water concentrations substantially below 10 ng/mL, and adverse effects observed on growth, reproduction, and metabolism at water concentrations between 0.05 and 0.3 ng/mL.