Impact of Storage Conditions on the Stability of Volatile Sulfur Compounds in Sampling Bags

• Published in: Journal of environmental quality 2015-09, Vol.44 (5), p.1523-1529
• Main Authors: Le, Hung V., Sivret, Eric C., Parcsi, Gavin, Stuetz, Richard M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0047-2425; 1537-2537
• DOI: 10.2134/jeq2014.12.0532

Odorous emissions from agricultural and waste management operations can cause annoyance to local populations. Volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) are dominant odorants that are often lost during collection using sample bags. The degree of VSC losses depends on factors such as storage time, bag materials, temperature, sample relative humidity (RH), light exposure, and the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). To assess the impact of those factors on the stability of 10 VSCs (hydrogen sulfide, methanethiol, ethanethiol, dimethyl sulfide, tert‐butanethiol, ethyl methyl sulfide, 1‐butanethiol, dimethyl disulfide, diethyl disulfide, and dimethyl trisulfide), laboratory‐based experiments were conducted according to a factorial experimental design. Linear mixed‐effects models were constructed for loss predictions. The estimated recovery of H2S in Tedlar bag was 8 to 10% higher than in Mylar and Nalophan between 6 and 30 h. At ≤20°C and without being exposed to light, at least 75% relative recovery of the 10 VSCs in Tedlar bags can be achieved after 18 h, whereas, a maximum of 12 h of storage should not be exceeded to ensure a minimum of 74% relative recovery of the VSCs in Mylar and Nalophan bags. Core Ideas Predictive models accommodate quick loss predictions for 10 VSCs. Significant temperature and humidity interaction effects on VSC stability observed. Significant light and humidity interaction effects on VSC stability observed. Maximum storage of 18 h recommended in Tedlar to retain at least 75% of the VSCs. Maximum storage of 12 h in Mylar and Nalophan to retain at least 74% of the VSCs.