D. Trotter, Robert A. Kent B.Sc., M. Wong
1991
Citations
4
Influential Citations
59
Citations
Journal
Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology
Abstract
Abstract Carbofuran is an insecticide widely used in North America. Its relatively short half‐life in the environment has been a major factor in its increased use and substitution for insecticides known to persist in the environment for long periods of time and accumulate in animal tissues. The relatively high water solubility of carbofuran coupled with its relatively low adsorption on soils and sediments permits natural surface waters to become a repository for excessive amounts of the insecticide escaping treated areas or being accidentally introduced hito aquatic environments. Carbofuran's persistence is directly related to the pH of the water. The compound is stable in acid waters, but subject to increasing chemical hydrolysis as the water becomes more alkaline. Microbial populations in water, sediments, and flooded soils also reduce the persistence of carbofuran. Carbofuran is very toxic to fish. Generally, fish LC50S for carbofuran are below 1 mg/l. While accidental spraying of carbofuran poses a th...