Mobility in Soils with Pesticide (Malathion) Residues

Abstract

This work aims to study mobility in soils where the Malathion pesticide has been spilled. A spillage was simulated of two undiluted concentrations in commercial presentation and in a recommended dose for agricultural use, for the purpose of studying the physical-chemical variables (pH, organic matter, CEC and nutrient level) of the soil and measuring the final pesticide concentrations of different depths (10, 17 and 25 cm) using the gas chromatography technique. Concentration became lower with depth, the leachate much more concentrated than diluted. The organic matter percentage in analyzed soils in Mosquera (Cundinamarca) and Villavicencio (Meta) was 0.72% 5.27% respectively. The total organic matter, N, P, S and microelement levels increased at higher concentrations of the pesticide due to its effect on bio-organic components outside their own microbial decomposition. On the other hand, Ca, K, Mg and CEC levels dropped with depth and concentration, due to the leaching effect of the liquid pesticide, which had a collateral effect on the pH. A high temporal fertility effect was detected due to the increase of primary elemental components. The impact caused by Malathion corresponded to a highly toxic nature