ABSTRACT
Methyl parathion is likely to enter the environment from production of the pesticide, or its application as an insecticide. It should degrade in soil and water over the course of several months primarily by photolysis and biodegradation. Methyl parathion may be released to the environment during its production, formulation, transport, storage, disposal, and application as a broad spectrum insecticide. Methyl parathion is rapidly degraded in soil at the low concentrations which are associated with its use as an insecticide. Since methyl parathion demonstrates moderate soil adsorption and biodegrades rapidly, it is unlikely to leach into ground water under most circumstances. Methyl parathion degrades by direct photolysis in natural water producing p-nitrophenol and O-methyl-O’-p-nitrophenylthiophosphoric acid. Methyl parathion is degraded in soil, water and sediment. Biodegradation may be fairly rapid especially when microorganisms are acclimated to the methyl parathion. Humans are exposed to methyl parathion in air in the vicinity of agricultural crops which are sprayed, or production facilities.
