BENOMYL

Carcinogen And Pesticide Branch 
OSHA Analytical Laboratory 
Salt Lake City, Utah 

1. General Discussion 

1.1  Background 

1.1.1 History of procedure 

This evaluation was undertaken to determine the effectiveness of the OVS-2 tube as a sampling device for benomyl. It follows the procedure developed for carbaryl. (Ref. 5.1) 

The literature indicates that benomyl decomposes in many organic solvents to give carbendazim and n-butyl isocyanate (BIC). It is possible to analyze for benomyl in organic solvents, but this calls for the addition of BIC at 100D times the level of benomyl encountered to force the equilibrium back to the undecomposed benomyl. Due to this decomposition the analytical method developed in this evaluation is for carbendazim (however, the analyte is referred to as benomyl throughout this evaluation). It follows a method developed by Zweig and Gao. (Ref. 5.2) 

1.1.2 Toxic effects (This section is for information only and should not be taken as the basis of OSHA policy). 

The acute oral LD₅₀ for rats is >10,000 mg/kg. The acute skin absorption LD₅₀ for rabbits is >10,000 mg/kg. (Ref. 5.3) 

A low order of chronic toxicity has been found in several studies. The results of these studies as well as the original references can be found in the ACGIH documentation volume. (Ref. 5.3) 

Due to its low toxicity the ACGIH has given benomyl a 10 
mg/m³ TLV. 

1.1.3 Potential workplace exposure 

No estimate of worker exposure to benomyl could be found. Benomyl is used as a systemic fungicide. (Ref. 5.4) 

1.1.4 Physical properties (Ref. 5.3-5.5) 

Molecular weight:	290.32
Molecular formula:	C14H18N4O3
CAS #:	17804-35-2
Melting point:	decomposes
Vapor Pressure:	negligible
Appearance:	white crystalline solid
Solubility:	insoluble in water and oil  soluble in acetone, alcohol, dimethyl formamid6, chloroform, and xylene
Synonyms:	Benex, Benlate, Tersan 1991
Chemical name:	Methyl 1-(butylcarbamoyl)- 2-benzimidazolecarbamate
Structure:
UV maxima (in ACN) (i.e., values are for carbendazim):	286 nm and 244 nm

1.2  Limit defining parameters 

The detection limit of the analytical procedure is 10 ng per injection. This is the amount of analyte which will give a peak 
whose height is approximately five times the baseline noise. 

2. Sampling procedure 

2.1  Apparatus 

2.1.1 Samples are collected by using a personal sampling pump that can be calibrated to within ±5% of the recommended flow rate with the sampling device in line. 

2.1.2 Samples are collected with OVS-2 tubes, which are specially made 13-mm o.d. glass tubes that are tapered to 6-mm o.d. These tubes are packed with a 140-mg backup section and a 270-mg sampling section of cleaned XAD-2. The backup section is retained by two foam plugs and the sampling section is between one foam plug and a 13-mm diameter glass fiber filter. The glass fiber filter is held next to the sampling section by a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) retainer. 

Figure 1. OVS-2 Sampling Device

2.2  Reagents 

No sampling reagents are required. 

2.3  Sampling technique 

2.3.1  Attach the small end of the OVS-2 sampling tube to the sampling pump with flexible, plastic tubing such that the large, front section of the sampling tube is exposed directly to the atmosphere. Do not place any tubing in front of the sampler. Attach the sampler vertically (large end down) in the worker's breathing zone in such a manner that it does not impede work performance.

2.3.2  After sampling for the appropriate time, remove the sampling device and seal the tube with plastic end caps. 

2.3.3  Wrap each sample end-to-end with an OSHA seal (Form 21). 

2.3.4  Submit at least one blank with each set of samples. 
Handle the blanks the same as the other samples except draw no air through them. 

2.3.5  Submit any bulk samples in a separate container. Do not ship them with the air samples. 

2.4  Extraction efficiency 

2.4.1 Glass fiber filter 

Five 13-mm glass fiber filters were each liquid spiked with 50 µL of an 838 µg/mL solution of benomyl in methanol. These five filters, along with an unspiked filter, were place in separate 4-mL vials and allowed to sit overnight at room temperature. They were then extracted with 3.0 mL of acetonitrile. 

Table 2.4.1
Glass Fiber Filter Extraction Study

Filter #	Amount Spiked	Amount Recovered	% Recovery
AD1	41.90 µg	42.08 µg	100.4
AD2	41.90 µg	40.60 µg	96.9
AD3	41.90 µg	43.35 µg	103.5
AD4	41.90 µg	41.71 µg	99.6
AD5	41.90 µg	41.64 µg	99.4
AD6	0.00 µg	0.00 µg	blank
Average Recovery is 100.0 %

 2.4.2 XAD-2 adsorbent 

An amount of XAD-2 adsorbent equal to the A section (270 mg) of an OVS-2 tube was placed in each of five 4-mL vials which were then sealed with PTFE lined septa.

The adsorbent in each vial was then liquid spiked with 50 µL of an 838 µL/mL solution of benomyl in methanol by injecting the solution onto the adsorbent through the septum. These vials were then allowed to equilibrate overnight in a drawer at room temperature. They were then desorbed with 3.0 mL of acetonitrile. 

Table 2.4.2
XAD-2 Adsorbent Desorption Study

Adsorbent #	Amount Spiked	Amount Recovered	% Recovery
AD1	41.90 µg	39.13 µg	93.4
AD2	41.90 µg	39.55 µg	94.4
AD3	41.90 µg	40.05 µg	95.6
AD4	41.90 µg	40.70 µg	97.1
AD5	41.90 µg	41.22 µg	98.4
AD6	0.00 µg	0.00 µg	Blank
Average Recovery is 95.8%

 

2.4.3  OVS-2 tubes

Nine OVS-2 tubes were each liquid spiked with 50 µL of an 838 µg/mL solution of benomyl in methanol by spiking the glass fiber filter. The tubes were sealed and stored overnight in a drawer at room temperature. A blank tube was also stored with the nine above. Three of the spiked tubes and the blank were then extracted as in Section 3.4.

Table 2.4.3
OVS-2 tube Extraction Study

Tube #	Amount spiked	Amount recovered	% Recovery
OVS 1	41.90 µg	41.74 µg	99.6
OVS 2	41.90 µg	41.93 µg	100.1
OVS 3	41.90 µg	42.47 µg	101.4
OVS BL	0.00 µg	0.00 µg	Blank
Average recovery is 100.4 %

2.5 Retention efficiency

The remaining six OVS-2 tubes each had 60 liters if humid air (65% relative humidity) drawn through them. Three of these tubes were extracted as in Section 3.4 and analyzed immediately. The remaining three tubes were returned to the drawer for the storage study.

Table 2.5
Retention Efficiency Study

Tube #	Amount spiked	Amount recovered	% Recovery
OVS 4	41.90 µg	42.75 µg	102.0
OVS 5	41.90 µg	43.66 µg	104.2
OVS 6	41.90 µg	42.57 µg	101.2
Average recovery is 101.5 %

2.6  Sample Storage

The remaining three spiked tubes from section 2.5 above were stored for a total of 7 days in a drawer at room temperature. They were then extracted as in Section 3.4.

Table 2.6
Storage Study

Tube #	Amount spiked	Amount recovered	% Recovery
OVS 7	41.90 µg	40.76 µg	97.3
OVS 8	41.90 µg	40.76 µg	97.3
OVS 9	41.90 µg	41.51 µg	99.1
Average recovery is 97.9 %

2.7   Recommended air volume and sampling rate

2.7.1  The recommended air volume is 60 L.

2.7.2  The recommended flow rate is 1.0 L/min.

2.8  Interferences

It is not known if any compounds will interfere with the collection of benomyl. Suspected interferences should be reported to the laboratory with submitted samples.

2.9 Safety precautions

2.9.1 Attach the sampling equipment in such a manner that it will not interfere with work performance or employee safety.

2.9.2 Follow all safety practices that apply to the work area being sampled.

3. Analytical procedure

3.1 Apparatus

3.1.1 A high performance liquid chromatograph equipped with a UV detector , and manual or automatic injector. A Waters 510 pump, Waters 710B autosampler, and Waters 490E UV detector were used in this evaluation.

3.1.2 An HPLC column capable of separating benomyl from any interferences. A 25-cm × 4.6-mm i.d. Chromasil 5 micron C18 column was used in this evaluation.

3.1.3 An electronic integrator or other suitable means of measuring detector response. A Hewlett-Packard 3357 data system was used in this evaluation.

3.1.4 Vials, 4-mL glass with PTFE-lined septa.

3.1.5 Volumetric flasks, pipets, and syringes for preparing standards, making dilutions, and performing injections.

3.2 Reagents

3.2.1 HPLC grade ACN.

3.2.2 HPLC grade water. A Millipore Milli-Q system was used to prepare the water in this evaluation.

3.2.3 Benomyl, 99+% (EPA).

3.3 Standard preparation

Prepare stock standard solutions by adding acetonitrile to pre-weighed amounts of benomyl. Prepare working range standard solutions by diluting stock solutions with acetonitrile. Store stock and dilute standards in a freezer.

Place aliquots of the working range standards in 4-mL vials and handle them along with the samples.

Note: A benomyl in methanol standard was used for spiking in the extraction, retention, and storage tests because benomyl is more soluble in methanol than acetonitrile. Methanol was not used for sample extraction because the literature indicates quicker and more complete decomposition of benomyl in acetonitrile (Ref. 5.2).

3.4 Sample preparation

3.4.1 Transfer the 13-mm glass fiber filter and the 270-mg section of the sampling tube to a 4-mL vial. Place the first foam plug and the 140-mg section in a separate vial. A small glass funnel can be used to facilitate the transfer of the adsorbent. Discard the rear foam plug. No not discard the glass sampling tube; it can be reused after it has been cleaned with surfactant or suitable solvent.

3.4.2 Add 3.0 mL of ACN to each vial.

3.4.3 Seal the vials the PTFE-lined septa and allow them to extract for one half hour. Shake the vials by hand periodically during this extraction time. Place the vials in a 45ºC water bath for an additional half hour to  ensure complete decomposition of benomyl to carbendazim.

3.5 Analysis

3.5.1 Instrument conditions

Column:	25-cm × 4.6-mm i.d. Chromasil 5 micron C18
Mobile Phase:	70% acetonitrile / 30% water
Flow rate:	1 mL/min
UV detector:	244 and 286 nm
Retention time:	3.5 minutes (carbendazim)
Injection volume:	10 µL

3.5.2 Chromatogram 

Figure 2. Chromatogram of Carbendazim (note the small benomyl peak, benomyl not completely decomposed)

3.6 Interferences

3.6.1 Any compound having a similar retention time to the analyte is a potential interference. Generally, chromatographic conditions can be altered to separate an interference from the analyte.

3.6.2 Retention time on a single column is not proof of chemical identity. Analysis by an alternative HPLC column, detection at another wavelength, comparison of absorbance response ratios, and confirmation by mass spectrometry are additional means of identification.

3.7 Calculations

3.7.1 A calibration curve is constructed by plotting detector response versus standard concentration.

3.7.2 The concentration of benomyl in a sample is determined from the calibration curve. If benomyl is found on the backup section, it is added to the amount found on the front section. Blank corrections for each section should be performed before adding the results together.

3.7.3 The air concentration is then determined by the following formula.

3.8 Safety Precautions

3.8.1 Avoid exposure to all standards.

3.8.2 Avoid exposure to all solvents.

3.8.3 Wear safety glasses at all times.

4. Recommendations for further study

An HPLC column which gives better chromatographic results should be used for the analysis of benomyl in the future. One such column is a 25-cm × 4.6-mm i.d. Chromegabond 5 micron TMS (see the n-butyl isocyanate in the presence of benomyl stopgap, Ref. 5.6). This method should be fully validated.

5. References

5.1 Burright, D., Method #63, "Carbaryl (Sevin)", OSHA Analytical Laboratory, unpublished, 1987.

5.2 Zweig, G. and R. Gao. Anal. Chem. 55:1448-51 (1983).

5.3 "Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices, American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygenists Inc., fifth edition, 1986.

5.4 "Farm Chemicals Handbook", Meister Publishing Co., 1985.

5.5 Windholz, M., Ed. "Merck Index", 10th ed.; Merck and Co., Rahway, NJ, 1983.

5.6 Armitage, D.B., Stopgap, "Benomyl with n-Butyl Isocyanate", OSHA Analytical Laboratory, unpublished, 1988.