Gas chromatographic–mass spectrometric separation and identification of combustion products of organo-phosphorus and chlorine pesticides and evaluation of their impact on the environment

A simple and rapid GC–MS method for separation, identification and quantitative determination of combustion products of organophosphorus and chlorine pesticides viz; monocrotophos, chloropyriphos, butachlor and benzenehexachloride has been developed. The method provides a positive means of identifying organic combustion products and enables to assess not only their toxicity to human beings but also their impact on the environment. The data is useful for emergency preparations in case of fire in chemical plants and warehouses that store pesticides in large quantities.