5.1 N-methylcarbamates and n-methylcarbomoyloximes are used in agriculture as insecticides and herbicides. They are sometimes found in both surface and ground waters and can be toxic to animals and plants at moderate to high concentrations. The manufacturing precursors and degradation products may be equally as hazardous to the environment.

1.1 This is a high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) test method applicable to the determination of certain n-methylcarbamoyloximes and n-methylcarbamates in ground water and finished drinking water (1).2 This test method is applicable to any carbamate analyte that can be hydrolyzed to a primary amine. The following compounds have been validated using this test method:

Analyte

Chemical Abstract Services
Registry Number ^A

   Aldicarb

      116-06-3

   Aldicarb sulfone

      1646-88-4

   Aldicarb sulfoxide

      1646-87-3

   Baygon

      114-26-1

   Carbaryl

      63-25-2

   Carbofuran

      1563-66-2

   3-Hydroxycarbofuran

      16655-82-6

   Methiocarb

      2032-65-7

   Methomyl

      16752-77-5

   Oxamyl

      23135-22-0

1.2 This test method has been validated in a collaborative round-robin study (2) and estimated detection limits (EDLs) have been determined for the analytes listed in 1.1 (Table 1). Observed detection limits may vary between ground waters, depending on the nature of interferences in the sample matrix and the specific instrumentation used.

1.3 This test method is restricted to use by, or under the supervision of, analysts experienced in both the use of liquid chromatography and the interpretation of liquid chromatograms. Each analyst should demonstrate an ability to generate acceptable results with this test method using the procedure described in 12.3.

1.4 When this test method is used to analyze unfamiliar samples for any or all of the analytes listed in 1.1, analyte identifications should be confirmed by at least one additional qualitative technique.

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Additional guidance on laboratory safety is available and suitable references for the information are provided (3-5).

1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.