A preparation technique for analysis of explosives in plant tissues

Abstract

A preparation technique for analysis of explosives compounds in plant tissue has been developed. The technique utilizes acetone extraction followed by ultrafiltration clean up. Ultrafiltration removes the large quantities of chlorophyll and polar organics that interfere with UV/Vis detection used in high‐performance liquid chromatography. The procedure was tested with 14 explosives‐related compounds spiked into reed canary grass extracts and method detection limits (MDLs) were calculated. In addition, the overall extraction efficiency for RDX in parrot feather and reed canary grass tissues was determined using ¹⁴C labeled compound. Scientists may find the technique useful for plant analysis at waste sites and for phytoremediation research.

Key words:

• RDX
• phytoremediation
• ultrafiltration