ABSTRACT
Dimethoate (o,o-dimethyl-S-methyl-carbamoyl-methyl phosphorodithioate) is an organophosphorous insecticide used for the control of houseflies, as well as a wide range of insects and mites on a variety of fruit, vegetable, field and forestry crops. Water contamination by dimethoate is problematic in factories, stores and end user sites. Seven of the most common non-polar solvents have been tested as water decontaminating agents. Stock solution containing 152 μg/ml of dimethoate in deionized water was prepared. 50 ml samples were mixed with known volumes of the selected extracting agent. The mixture was then stirred for a prescribed time interval at a fixed temperature. The phases were then separated and analyzed using a high performance liquid chromatograph. The extraction efficiency was calculated, and effect of each of the operating parameters on its value was determined. 1,2 dichloroethane was found to be the most efficient extracting agent. The favorable mode of extraction and operating conditions are presented.