Residues and dynamics of probenazole in rice field ecosystem

The simple and efficient method for determination of probenazole in soil, rice plant, and paddy water was developed, and the fate of probenazole in rice field ecosystem was also studied. Probenazole residues were extracted from sample, cleaned up by liquid/liquid partition and chromatographic column and then determined by gas chromatography with flame photometric detection. As far as the accuracy and precision was concerned, the method met certain standard. The LODs of probenazole calculated as a sample concentration (S/N ratio of 3) was 0.02 mg kg−1. The minimum detectable limit was 5 × 10−10 g. The degradation of probenazole in soil, rice straw, and water was determined. The results showed that probenazole degradation in soil and rice straw coincided with C = 0.576e−0.147t, C = 17.858e−0.414t, respectively; the half-lives were about 4.7 and 1.7 d, respectively. The degradation rate of probenazole in rice straw was faster than that of in soil. Probenazole residue at 0.02 mg kg−1 could only be detected in paddy water within the first day after application. The final probenazole residues in soil, brown rice, and water were undetectable at levels of recommended and doubled dosage with an interval of 63 d. Therefore, a dosage of 1800–3600 g a.i. hm−2 was recommended, which could be considered as safe to human beings and animals. These would contribute to provide the scientific basis of using this fungicide.