Published online by Cambridge University Press: 27 March 2009
The adsorption of oxamyl under various conditions of time, pH, temperature, organic matter and exchangeable cations on illites and kaolinites was examined. The first order reaction indicated diffusion-controlled adsorption, maximum adsorption occurring at pH 6–5 which is near the pK value of oxamyl. Exchangeable cation in the order Na > H > Ca, organic matterand increasing temperature decreased adsorption. Adsorption isotherms and the molecular structure of oxamyl point to a reaction mechanism for oxamyl association with acid- and base-saturatedclays which involve either protonation or co-ordination of exchangeable clay cations to the carbonyl of the amide structure.