ARS | Publication request: TRANSPORT OF FUMIGANT COMPOUNDS THROUGH HDPE AND VIRTUALLY IMPERMEABLE FILMS

Submitted to: Proceedings of International Research Conference on Methyl Bromide Alternatives
Publication Type: Abstract
Publication Acceptance Date: November 9, 2001
Publication Date: November 9, 2001
Citation: Papiernik, S.K., Yates, S.R. 2001. Transport of fumigant compounds through hdpe and virtually impermeable films. Proceedings of International Research Conference on Methyl Bromide Alternatives. San Diego, CA. Nov. 5-9, 2001. Paper No. 16. pp. 16-1 to 16-3.

Technical Abstract: Volatilization of soil-applied fumigants is dependent on many factors, including climatic variables, soil conditions, the method of fumigation, and surface cover. Low-density or high-density polyethylene films (LDPE or HDPE) are most commonly used in fumigation of soil with methyl bromide (MeBr). In these experiments, we used static sealed permeability cells to determine the mass transfer coefficient (h) of fumigant compounds through HDPE and other films. The h is a measure of the resistance to diffusion, with low values of h indicating low permeability. The impact of environmental conditions on the h of fumigants across HDPE was determined; the factors examined included temperature, fumigant mixtures, condensed water on the film surface, and exposure of the film to field conditions. Results indicated that 1-mil HDPE is permeable to fumigant compounds. For the two HDPE tested, the h for chloropicrin is 1.5 to 2 times greater than that of MeBr; the h for propargyl bromide is about 3 to 4 times greater and the hs for cis- and trans-1,3-D are approximately 5 and 10 times greater than MeBr, respectively. Investigation of the effect of environmental conditions on the permeability of HDPE indicated that temperature and HDPE film type had the largest impact on the h of all fumigant compounds through HDPE. Other factors investigated had a much smaller or insignificant impact on HDPE permeability.