In Malaysia, glyphosate is a commonly used herbicide in oil palm plantation to control broad-leaved weeds and grasses. However, herbicides usage may have adverse effects on human if presence in food products. Therefore, a reliable method has to be developed to detect and quantify glyphosate residue in crude palm oil, to safeguard public health. Glyphosate (Figure 1) is the common name for [N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine] C3 H8 NO5 P. Roundup, Sting, Tender and Glider are some of the trade names of glyphosate. In its pure form, glyphosate is an odourless and colourless crystal. Its melting point is 200°C and molecular weight is 169.07. Glyphosate is highly soluble in water (12.0 g litre-1), but insoluble in common organic solvents. 

Main Research: Dr Halimah Muhammad