Sorption‐desorption of methyl parathion, fenitrothion and carbofuran in soils
Abstract Sorption‐desorption of methyl parathion [o, o‐dimethyl o‐p‐nitrophenyl) phosphorothioate ] , fenitrothion [o,o‐diethyl o‐3‐methyl‐4‐nitrophenyl) phosphorothioate] and carbofuran (2,3‐dihydro‐2, 2‐dimethyl‐7‐benzofuranyl N‐methylcarbamate) in four soils was studied. Organic matter was the most important single factor affecting the sorption‐desorption of all the three insecticides. Freundlich K and specific organic sorption (Kom) of the three insecticides in a given soil distinctly varied, apparently due to the differences in their octanol‐water partition coefficient (Kow). Carbofuran with lowest Kow among the three insecticides was sorbed least. All the three insecticides desorbed less with increasing organic matter content of the soil.