Degradation and Volatilization of the Fumigant Chloropicrin after Soil Treatment

Chloropicrin (CP) is used in fumigation of soil‐borne pests. Because of its high volatility and toxicity, atmospheric emission of CP during soil application may become a source of air pollution. We investigated degradation of CP in three different soils as a function of soil temperature and moisture...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of environmental quality 2000-09, Vol.29 (5), p.1391-1397
Main Authors: Gan, J., Yates, S. R., Ernst, F. F., Jury, W. A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions
Applied sciences
Atmospheric pollution
Biodegradation
Biological and medical sciences
Biological and physicochemical properties of pollutants. Interaction in the soil
Chlorine compounds
chloropicrin
Earth sciences
Earth, ocean, space
Engineering and environment geology. Geothermics
Exact sciences and technology
Fumigation
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
methyl bromide
Moisture
Plastic films
Pollutants physicochemistry study: properties, effects, reactions, transport and distribution
Pollution
Pollution, environment geology
Polyethylenes
Soil and sediments pollution
Soil and water pollution
Soil science
Soil treatment
Thermal effects
Toxicity
Vaporization
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Summary:Chloropicrin (CP) is used in fumigation of soil‐borne pests. Because of its high volatility and toxicity, atmospheric emission of CP during soil application may become a source of air pollution. We investigated degradation of CP in three different soils as a function of soil temperature and moisture conditions, and evaluated its volatilization against methyl bromide (MeBr) from packed soil columns. Chloropicrin degraded much faster than MeBr in the same soil, mainly via microbial degradation. Degradation of CP accelerated as soil temperature increased, but was relatively independent of changes in soil moisture. When the soil surface was uncovered, overall volatilization loss of CP was similar to that of MeBr. Covering the soil surface with a polyethylene or high‐barrier film was much more effective in reducing volatilization of CP than MeBr. Therefore, surface covers may be used in sensitive areas to reduce human exposure to CP.
ISSN:0047-2425
1537-2537
DOI:10.2134/jeq2000.00472425002900050004x