Determination of Dimethoate and Malathion Residues on and in Moloukhia Leaves

These studies were carried out to investigate the residual and behavior of two organophosphorus insecticides( dimethoate and malathion) on and in moloukhia leaves (Chorchrus olitorius) and how to minimize these residues. The initial deposits of dimethoate on and in moloukhia leaves was 131.721 mg/kg, malathion higher than (97.231 mg/kg). The results showed that after 18 days from treatment of dimethoate and malathion the residues were 0.041 and 0.039 mg/kg respectively. The half-life values of dimethoate and malathion residues on and in moloukhia leaves were 1.6 and 2.6 days after treatment. Using house hold processing (washing) decreased the residues of dimethoate and malathion in moloukhia leaves. It was noticed that washing with tap water reduced the amount of both pesticides (dimethoat and malathion). The removal percentage reached from 38.41 to 80.49% and 32.10 to 69.23% respectively.