Time-dependent sorption of imidacloprid in two different soils

Time-dependent sorption of imidacloprid [1-[(6-chloro-3-pyridinyl)-methyl]-N-nitro-2-imidazolidinimine] was investigated with two German soils (sandy loam and silt loam). Soil batches containing the active ingredient (0.33 mg/kg) were incubated for 100 days. After selected aging periods, imidacloprid desorbed by 0.01 M CaCl(2) (soluble phase) and by organic solvents (methanol and acetonitrile) and reflux extraction with acidified methanol (sorbed phase) was determined. Calculated sorption coefficients K(d) and K(oc) increased by a factor of 3.2-3.8 during 100 days of aging. Additionally, the time-dependent sorption was verified by a column leaching experiment with the aged soil. The amount of imidacloprid in column eluates (0.01 M CaCl(2)) decreased compared to total recovered by a factor of approximately 2. Sorption of imidacloprid thus increased with residence time in soil, making it more resistant to leaching. These results are further information to explain the low leaching potential of imidacloprid in the field, despite its high water solubility.