Adsorption and Desorption of Permethrin and Other Pesticides on Glass and Plastic Materials used in Bioassay Procedures

Abstract

Laboratory studies were conducted to determine the adsorption and desorption of permethrin on glass and several plastic materials that may be used for the construction of limnocorrals. The insecticide was substantially adsorbed on polyethylene, polyvinylchloride, glass, and Teflon. Adsorbed permethrin was not easily desorbed from polyethylene and polyvinylchloride by several water rinses. Increased adsorption of the insecticide was observed with increasing temperatures. A study on the adsorption of several herbicides of various water solubilities indicated that trifluralin was adsorbed to glass and that there was no general relationship between adsorption of the herbicide on polyvinylchloride and water solubility.Key words: permethrin, bioassay, adsorption, desorption