Triazoles in the environment: An update on sample pretreatment and analysis methods

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Toxicology

Background:

• Triazoles exhibit potent bactericidal properties, leading to widespread agricultural, clinical, and industrial applications.
• Concerns exist regarding triazoles' endocrine-disrupting and organ-impairing toxicity in humans.
• Environmental persistence and improper usage of triazole pesticides result in residues that threaten ecosystems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of triazole fungicide pretreatment and analytical methods in environmental samples from 2012 to 2024.
• To highlight the critical need for rapid, reliable, accurate, and sensitive methods for triazole monitoring.
• To assess the implications of triazole residues for environmental and human health.

Main Methods:

• Extraction and purification techniques reviewed include protein precipitation, coated blade spray, liquid-liquid extraction, solid-phase extraction, and microextraction methods (e.g., liquid-phase microextraction, solid-phase microextraction).
• Detection methodologies encompass liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC), sensing techniques, and capillary electrophoresis (CE).

Main Results:

• The review systematically categorizes and evaluates various sample pretreatment strategies for triazole analysis.
• It details the performance characteristics of diverse analytical techniques employed for triazole detection.
• Comparative analysis of advantages and disadvantages of different methods is presented.

Conclusions:

• Effective monitoring of triazole fungicides requires sophisticated pretreatment and analytical methodologies.
• Continued development in analytical techniques is crucial for enhancing sensitivity and reliability in environmental monitoring.
• Understanding and mitigating the risks associated with triazole residues are vital for environmental protection and public health.