Fate of methyl parathion in aquatic channel microcosms

The fate of methyl parathion and the development of biological communities were examined as a function of inorganic nutrient enrichment, inorganic nutrients plus glycerol and presence of sediments in two eight‐compartment, continuous‐flow channel microcosms. First‐order degradation rates of methyl parathion were related to the different nutrient treatments, with higher rates associated with the organically enriched environments. A stable state was generally established in each compartment after 6 weeks of development. Aufwuchs biomass dominated the systems and observed differences (α = 0.10) in nutrient concentrations were reflected by differences (α = 0.05) in some aufwuchs structural parameters and in community function. Inclusion of sediments had no significant effect on any of the parameters measured.