The herbicide glyphosate and its metabolite AMPA in the Lavaux vineyard area, western Switzerland: Proof of widespread export to surface waters. Part I: Method validation in different water matrices

A robust analytical method was developed to quantify glyphosate, its metabolite AMPA, and the herbicide glufosinate at trace levels in various water matrices. The method, validated across ultrapure water, mineral water, river water, soil solution, and vineyard runoff, demonstrated high accuracy with mean recoveries ranging from 86% to 133%. Monitoring of a vineyard river revealed significant glyphosate and AMPA pollution peaks during rain events, often exceeding the legal threshold of 100 ng/l. Additionally, a depth profile in an adjacent lake near a wastewater treatment plant outlet showed an AMPA concentration peak at 25 meters, indicating its release from treated urban wastewater. This study provides critical evidence for the widespread export of glyphosate and AMPA to surface waters via diffuse runoff.

Daouk, S., Grandjean, D., Chevre, N., De Alencastro, L. F., & Pfeifer, H.-R. (2013). The herbicide glyphosate and its metabolite AMPA in the Lavaux vineyard area, western Switzerland: Proof of widespread export to surface waters. Part I: Method validation in different water matrices. Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part B, 48(9), 717–724. https://doi.org/10.1080/03601234.2013.780535