Aldicarb residues in citrus soil, leaves and fruits

Aldicarb was applied to the soil of Late Valencia orange field plots. A comparative study between four analytical methods is reported, the NPD-gas chromatography method being the best choice. The work also reports the study of accumulation and persistence of aldicarb and its biologically active metabolites in the soil, leaves and fruits (rind and pulp, separately). Residue content, at the ppb level, was found in the order leaves much greater than rind greater than pulp. Carbamate was found to accumulate mainly in its oxidized forms. Residues had reached a maximum level in about 90 days after application.