[Rapid enzymatic-colorimetric method for detecting organophosphorous insecticide residues in milk]

The authors developed a new enzymatic-colorimetric rapid method for testing milk for residues of organophosphorous insecticides. The test is based on the colour reaction of indoxyl acetate with the esterase of the OROSERAN (Dessau) horse serum which is inhibited by organophosphorous insecticides. Calibration curves were established for Trichlorphon and Dichlorphos (DDVP). The limit of detection lies at 0.02 mg/kg. The time actually needed per sample is about 15 min. The result is obtained within 90 min. Since this procedure requires no clean-up operations, it is labour-saving compared to other thin-layer or gas chromatographic methods. It may be recommended as a screening test for the detection of organophosphorous insecticides in milk samples.