Residues of nonylphenol in spruce foliage, forest soil, stream water and sediment after its aerial application

Nonylphenol, a major component of the Matacil (aminocarb) formulation, was mixed with insecticide diluent 585 and applied at 0.47 l/ha by a fixed-wing aircraft to a mixed coniferous forest in Algoma District, Ontario. Residues in white spruce foliage were the highest 1 h after spraying (18.90 ppm) and declined to 60% in the next two hours. After 30 days only 3% of the highest concentration recorded was observed. No detectable levels (less than 0.20 ppm) of nonylphenol were found after 62 days. No residues were detected in any forest soil sample collected after spraying. Nonylphenol residues were about 9 ppb in the stream water 1 h after its application and declined to 50% in the next two hours. Only trace amounts (less than 2.0 ppb) were detected after 5 days and no residues were detected in any water sample taken beyond this time. Residues at trace level (less than 0.10 ppm) were detected in only one sediment sample taken 4 hours after spraying.