The distribution of aldicarb and its metabolites between <i>Lumbricus terrestris</i>, water and soil

Abstract

Abstract Aldicarb is taken up by earthworms from aqueous solution to give concentrations in the worms comparable to that in the external aqueous solutions. Uptake from waterlogged soils is similar, but much less aldicarb is taken up from drier soils. Aldicarb sulphoxide [2‐methyl‐2‐(methylsulphinylpropionaldehyde O ‐methylcar‐bamoyloxime], aldoxycarb and oxamyl are poorly taken up, giving concentrations in the worm of about 5% of the external aqueous concentration. In worms, aldicarb is rapidly converted to the sulphoxide which has a half‐life in worms of 19 h at 15°C, and 50 h at 5°C.