Methyl iodide (MeI), an alternative to methyl bromide, has been registered as a soil fumigant in 48 States of the USA. Though not harmful to stratospheric ozone, MeI is a highly hazardous chemical to humans. Two main concerns of its use are (1) its high emissions into the atmosphere; and (2) the leaching of its breakdown product iodide anion (I-) into ground water. Ammonia aqueous solution (NH4OH) can accelerate MeI transformation. Sealed under HDPE (high density polyethylene film) and VIF (virtually impermeable film) in permeability cells, MeI was quickly transformed by NH4OH. As a consequence, low MeI emissions were achieved. In this experiment, a novel plastic bag was designed, which was filled with NH4OH and placed on the fumigated soil surface under VIF. Based on the applied mass, it reduced MeI emission through VIF to 0.4%, and retained 96.9% in the form of I-.

Depleting methyl iodide emissions from fumigated soils

244th National Meeting (2012)

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