Determination of glyphosate in biological fluids by 1H and 31P NMR spectroscopy

• Published in: Forensic science international Vol. 143; no. 2; pp. 141 - 145
• Main Authors: Cartigny, B, Azaroual, N, Imbenotte, M, Mathieu, D, Vermeersch, G, Goullé, J.P, Lhermitte, M
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ireland Ltd 16.07.2004; Elsevier
• Subjects: 1H NMR spectroscopy; 31P NMR spectroscopy; Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Forensic Medicine - methods; Gastric Juice - chemistry; General aspects; Glycine - analogs & derivatives; Glycine - analysis; Glycine - poisoning; Glyphosate; Herbicides - analysis; Herbicides - poisoning; Humans; Hydrogen; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Linear Models; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy - methods; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Phosphorus; Poisoning; Xenobiotics; Poisoning; 1H NMR spectroscopy; Xenobiotics; Glyphosate; 31P NMR spectroscopy; Assay; Biological fluid; NMR spectrometry; Determination; Xenobiotic; Quantitative analysis
• ISSN: 0379-0738; 1872-6283
• DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2004.03.025

Identification of glyphosate in four cases of poisoning, using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of biological fluids is reported. It has been performed by using a combination of 1 H and 31 P NMR analyses. Characterization of the N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine herbicide was achieved by chemical shift considerations and coupling constant patterns: CH 2(P) presents specific resonance at 3.12 ppm and appears as a doublet with a H-P characteristic coupling constant of 12.3 Hz. Moreover, resonances due to isopropylamine were present, confirming the ingestion of the considered trade formulation. After a calibration step, quantitation was performed by 1 H and 31 P NMR spectroscopy. The benefit and reliability of NMR investigations of biological fluids are discussed, particularly when the clinical picture is quite confusing.