Effect of the Environmental Temperature on the Degradation Period of Carbaryl

Abstract

In this study, the effect of the temperature on the degradation period of Carbaryl (Sevin), a widely used outdoor and indoor insecticide, was investigated in a laboratory in soil and on green plants by using a new quantitative TLC (Thin Layer. Chromatography) method. The experimental temperature conditions were 40°C , 16°C and 5°C for soil and 15°C for green plants. The results which were evaluated by photocopying of the TLC spots on a graph paper and square counting showed that carbaryl degradation is a first order reaction and the temperature dependent half-life of the degradation takes grater than four weeks under the investigated conditions.