Toxicity of dimethoate to some soil animal species in different soil types

Toxicity of dimethoate (insecticide) to an earthworm (Aporrectodea caliginosa tuberculata), a collembola (Folsomia candida), and an enchytraeid worm (Enchytraeus crypticus/variatus) was studied in three different soil types (artificial soil, clayey soil, and humus sandy soil). Parameters measured were survival and biomass change of the earthworms and survival and reproduction of the collembolas and enchytraeids. The degradation of dimethoate was analyzed too. Toxic effects were observed at the concentrations of some mg/kg dry soil. The biomass reduction of the earthworms occurred at lower concentrations than reduction in survival. The collembolas were more susceptible to dimethoate than the enchytraeids. High organic matter content of the soil reduced the toxic effects. The degradation of dimethoate was rather slow in the soils and under conditions tested. Half-life varied between 41 and 84 days. (C) 1996 Academic Press, Inc.