Evaluation of sulfonylurea herbicides using high resolution electrospray ionization ion mobility quadrupole mass spectrometry

The purpose of the current study was to explore and assess the potential of high resolution electrospray ionization atmospheric pressure ion mobility spectrometry (ESI–AP-IMS) as a field analytical method for the detection and identification of mixtures of sulfonylurea (SU) herbicides in aqueous samples. Because of increased usage, persistent behavior, and potential for crop damage, an environmental method of analysis capable of evaluating SU herbicides in a swift and effective manner is necessary. Eight SU herbicides were evaluated using ESI–AP-IMS quadrupole mass spectrometry. The selected herbicides were chosen based upon availability and scope of use. The SU herbicide species were qualitatively identified using quadrupole mass spectrometry, followed by the determination of reduced mobility values for characteristic ions. Various mixtures of rimsulfuron, metsulfuron-methyl, prosulfuron, sulfometuron-methyl, tribenuron-methyl, and primisulfuron-methyl could be revealed using AP-IMS. The ease of use, ability to operate under ambient conditions, and relatively rapid data acquisition times make ESI–AP-IMS an attractive candidate for the analysis of aqueous environmental field samples. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Field Analyt Chem Technol 5: 302–312, 2001; DOI 10.1002/fact.10010