Capillary Spot Test for the Detection of Trace Levels of Organophosphorus Insecticides in Water, Soil and Vegetation

A simple, inexpensive and sensitive spot test has been developed for the detection of trace levels of organophosphorus insecticides such as malathion, formothion, thiometon, dichlorvos, methyl parathion, dimethoate and phosphamidon in water, soil (fertile and non-fertile) and in the leaves of “Citrus medica” (common lemon plant). Benzene solutions of p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde and trichloroacetic acid have been used together as the detection reagent. The detection has been made at elevated temperatures and reduced pressure.