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Persistent stimulation of CO2 assimilation and stomatal conductance by summer ozone fumigation in Norway spruce.

CO(2) assimilation rate, stomatal conductance and chlorophyll content of current and previous years' needles of Norway spruce were measured in May 1988, 205 days after the cessation of ozone fumigation during the summer of 1987. Rates of assimilation were consistently higher for both needle year age classes for ozone fumigated trees in comparison to control trees, although only statistically significant for part of the day for current year's needles. A 26% and 48% stimulation, overall, in mean daily rates of assimilation for current and previous years' needles of ozone fumigated trees was observed. This was due to an enhanced apparent quantum yield and light saturated rate of assimilation of ozone fumigated trees. The temperature response regression of assimilation versus temperature was also greater, such that at any given temperature, assimilation was higher for ozone treated trees than control trees. Stomatal conductance was greater for ozone fumigated trees than the controls, but this was only marginally statistically significant. Moreover, there was a consistent increase in chlorophyll content in both year classes in ozone-treated trees. These results are discussed in relation to a possible long term effect of ozone fumigation upon the processes of conifer winter hardening and spring de-hardening.

Journal Article↗

Performance of phosphine in fumigation of bagged paddy rice in indoor and outdoor stores.

Phosphine fumigation trials were carried out on bag-stacks of paddy rice to study the differences in gas loss rates and concentration-time (Ct) products achieved during the treatment of indoor and outdoor stacks. Stacks (89-132t) were fumigated singly under 250&mgr;m thick polyethylene sheeting, which was sealed with a double layer of sand-snakes to the concrete floor. Phosphine was applied as an aluminium phosphide formulation and the fumigations continued for 7 days. In the first experiment, stacks of paddy rice with moisture contents ranging from 12.2 to 13.7% were held in either indoor or in outdoor storage and subjected to fumigation at the rate of 2, 3 or 4g of phosphine/tonne. The outdoor stacks held relatively low levels of phosphine with Ct products for the indoor stacks of 135, 171 and 294gh/m(3), respectively, whilst the corresponding values for the outdoor stacks were 70, 85 and 166gh/m(3) only. The average gas loss rate was 14.5% per day for the indoor stacks and 29.5% for the outdoor stacks. In the second experiment, old stacks of paddy rice inside a godown, one each with grains at 8.8 and 9.8% moisture content, were fumigated at 3g phosphine/tonne. Release of phosphine was delayed and fumigant sorption was less and therefore higher Ct products of 204 and 216gh/m(3) were achieved. In the stacks built outdoors, the resident infestations of Rhyzopertha dominica, Cryptolestes sp. and Oryzaephilus surinamensis were completely controlled despite lower Ct products. On the other hand, in the stacks of old paddy, R. dominica survived the treatment. Subsequent testing showed that the population had a degree of resistance to phosphine.

Journal Article↗

Residues after fumigation with methyl bromide: bromide ion and methyl bromide in middlings and final cereal foodstuffs.

Methyl bromide and bromide ion concentrations were estimated in pasta manufactured before and after fumigation with methyl bromide. The first trial estimated the bromide ion concentrations in fumigated and unfumigated flours and in pastas obtained from these. The concentration of bromide ions in fumigated flours was not significantly different from unfumigated flours. Only some pastas, manufactured from fumigated flours, showed a higher bromide ion concentration than those manufactured from unfumigated flours. The second trial evaluated the bromide ion concentrations of rices, white flours, flours, pastas made only from flours, pastas with eggs and pastas with eggs and spinach, before and after exposure to methyl bromide in their retail packagings. The bromide ion concentrations in fumigated pastas with eggs, pastas with eggs and spinach and rice were higher than in those unfumigated. In the pastas with eggs the bromide ion concentration after fumigation increased ten times (from about 4 to 40 mg/kg). Results showed that the bromide ion and methyl bromide levels estimated in all the foodstuffs examined were lower than the maximum limits fixed by several different national regulations.

Bromides↗

Influence of environmental, structural, and behavioral factors on the presence of phosphine in worker areas during fumigations in grain elevators.

Data-logging gas monitors with electrochemical cells sensitive to phosphine (PH3) were used to characterize concentrations of this common grain fumigant in and around grain elevators during fumigations. Twenty-four grain fumigations were observed, and each was monitored over a 5- to 8-day period. Phosphine gas, generated from aluminum phosphide fumigant applied to the grain, generally moved upward toward the grain surface and exited the bin at bin-top openings to the outside air or to enclosed worker areas. The upward air currents appeared to be the result of chimney effects, e.g., pressure differences resulting from buoyant air inside the warm grain and cooler, denser, ambient air. Significant wind effects on the PH3 concentration were also observed in the air between the grain surface and the bin roof. In enclosed areas located at the bin-top level, monitors located near the fill port or the fumigant dispenser recorded PH3 concentrations in excess of the exposure limit of 0.3 parts per million (ppm) about 35% of the time during grain fumigations. Phosphine concentrations between 0.31 and 1.0 ppm were observed 17.3% of the time, and concentrations in the ranges of 1.01-3.0, 3.01-10.0, and >10 ppm constituted 11.8%, 5.5%, and 0.3% of all readings, respectively, in bin-top worker areas. The likelihood of recording PH3 concentrations >0.3 ppm depended on ventilation practices. Fans in tunnels and open windows at aboveground locations appeared to greatly reduce the likelihood of high PH3 concentrations in enclosed areas.

Agriculture↗

Determination of fumigants in cereals and cereal products by capillary gas chromatography.

This study describes two methods for the quantitative determination of the residual fumigants ethylene dichloride (EDC), carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), trichloroethylene (TCE), ethylene dibromide (EDB) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE) in cereals (especially wheat) and other foodstuffs. In the first method, a micro steam distillation- solvent extraction apparatus is used, while the second method is based on a headspace technique. For the quantitative determination of carbon tetrachloride in cereals, the multiple headspace technique is not retained because it is too time-consuming. The analysis of the different fumigants is performed by electron-capture gas chromatography, using a fused silica capillary column, CP sil 8 CB. With the steam distillation-solvent extraction method, recoveries from 95.9% to 100.5% are obtained for the fumigants, added at two different levels. The standard deviation varies between 1.1% and 6%. Using the simple headspace technique, recoveries from 73.5% to 85.1% with a standard deviation of between 1.7% and 6.6% have been reached for the fumigants in cereals fortified at two different levels. The absolute detection limits for the five fumigants EDC, CCl4, TCE, EDB and PCE, in both methods, are 30, 0.25, 1.1, and 0.5 pg, respectively.

Chromatography, Gas↗

Toxicology and hazard evaluation of cyanide fumigation powders.

Studies were conducted to assess potential handling hazards from the pesticidal use of HCN-liberating "cyanide fumigation powders". Simulations were conducted in enclosed chambers on the release of HCN vapor from wetted powder containing 40% NaCN/60% kaolin at application rates of 1 g powder/m3 of space (usual rate) and 5 g/m3 (overuse condition). With the overuse situation, HCN vapor concentrations may be rapidly attained that produce serious or lethal toxicity; with the lower application rate minor signs and symptoms of HCN vapor exposure toxicity may develop. The acute peroral LD50 (rat and rabbit) of fumigant formulation is reduced in proportion to the kaolin content, but kaolin does not modify the inherent toxicity of NaCN. A typical cyanide hazard exists from swallowing cyanide fumigant powder formulations. Lethal systemic toxicity was produced by contamination of the eye (rabbit) with powder formulation, which also caused a rapid onset of moderately severe conjunctivitis and keratitis. Applied to dry intact skin (rabbit) neither NaCN nor its kaolin formulation produced systemic toxicity. However, on moistened intact skin lethal amounts of cyanide were absorbed; but the kaolin content reduced the hazard in comparison with NaCN-alone applied to moist skin. With abraded dry skin there was no difference in lethal toxicity between NaCN-alone and its formulation; also, the toxicity of the formulation on abraded skin was three times that on intact moist skin. These finds indicate that the use of cyanide fumigant powder formulations may be hazardous by contact of powder with moist or abraded skin, contamination of the eye, swallowing, and inhalation of evolved HCN. There is a clear need for respiratory, cutaneous, and ocular protection when handling cyanide fumigant powder formulations.

Administration, Cutaneous↗

Quarantine control of Hessian fly (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) in exported hay: a new treatment for large-size, polypropylene fabric-wrapped bales and a 3-d fumigation for compressed standard bales.

Hessian fly puparia (37,167), Mayetiola destructor (Say), did not survive a large-scale commercial test (three freight containers) of a new quarantine treatment using compression (32 kg/cm2) and hydrogen phosphide fumigation (61 g/28.2 m3) for large-size, polypropylene fabric-wrapped bales of hay exported to Japan. Mean +/- SEM temperatures in the large-size bales in different locations in the freight containers ranged from 18.0 +/- 0.9 to 26.0 +/- 1.3 degrees C during the 7-d test conducted in a heated building at 20.1 +/- 1.1 degrees C. Highest concentrations of hydrogen phosphide in most locations in the freight containers were observed after 3 d of fumigation and ranged from 366.7 +/- 96.1 to 425.0 +/- 162.7 ppm (mean +/- SEM) and throughout the 7 d of fumigation ranged from 253.6 +/- 59.9 to 407.1 +/- 76.5 ppm (mean +/- SEM). Hydrogen phosphide residues after fumigation and aeration were <10 ppb and were below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency tolerance of 0.1 ppm in animal feeds. The results of the test fulfills regulatory agency testing requirements and confirms the efficacy of the treatment to control Hessian fly in large-size, polypropylene fabric-wrapped bales of hay. Hessian fly puparia (2,160) did not survive a large-scale commercial test of compression (105 kg/cm2) and a 3-d hydrogen phosphide (60 g/28.3 m3) fumigation for standard bales.

Animals↗

Rapid determination of fumigant and industrial chemical residues in food.

A gas chromatographic (GC) method is described for the determination of 22 fumigant and industrial chemical residues in a variety of foods. The fumigants and industrial chemicals determined are methyl bromide, methylene chloride, carbon disulfide, chloroform, 1,1-dichloroethane, ethylene dichloride, methyl chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, methylene bromide, propylene dichloride, 2,3-dichloropropene, trichloroethylene, 1,3-dichloropropylene, 1,1,2-trichloroethane, chloropicrin, ethylene dibromide, tetrachloroethylene, propylene dibromide, 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane, p-dichlorobenzene, o-dichlorobenzene, and 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane. Except for the latter three, the fumigants are determined at 90 degrees C on 3.6 m 20% loaded OV-101 columns with electron-capture and Hall-electroconductivity detectors. The other 3 compounds (o-dichlorobenzene, p-dichlorobenzene, and 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane), which elute beyond 30 min on the above columns, are determined at 90 degrees C on 1.8 m 5% loaded OV-101 columns with the same detectors. The ng/g-level fortifications have an overall mean analyte recovery of 70% and a coefficient of variation of 40%. The variety of foods examined includes both fatty and nonfatty food types (e.g., off-the-shelf cooked and uncooked grain-based items, dairy products, fresh and canned fruits and vegetables, and meats). Samples are extracted and cleaned up according to fat content and food type. Samples containing less than 71% fat are extracted by using an aqueous: nonaqueous shakeout (20% acetone solution under isooctane). Most extracts (isooctanes) are analyzed directly. Extracts from samples containing from 21 to 70% fat (e.g., ground beef, pecans, and corn chips) are cleaned up further on micro-Florisil columns to remove excess fat. A few other samples containing more than 71% fat or oil (e.g., butter, salad dressing, and vegetable oil) are diluted directly in isooctane and, depending on the degree of dilution, can be cleaned up further on micro-Florisil columns. Also, clear beverages (e.g., soda and tea) are extracted directly with isooctane. These extraction and cleanup techniques were tested on 231 different table-ready foods. Three-hundred incurred residues of 10 different fumigants were found in 138 items examined; 93 items had no detectable residues. The main advantage of the method is rapid semiquantitative determination of multiple fumigants from all food types.

Chromatography, Gas↗

Purge and trap method for determination of fumigants in whole grains, milled grain products, and intermediate grain-based foods.

A method developed for the determination of 1,2-dibromoethane in whole grains and grain-based products has been modified and expanded to include 8 other fumigants. Samples are stirred with water and purged with nitrogen for 0.5 h in a water bath at 100 degrees C. The fumigants are collected on a trap composed of Tenax TA and XAD-4 resin, eluted with hexane, and determined by gas chromatography (GC) using electron capture detection or Hall electrolytic conductivity detection. Flame photometric detection in the sulfur mode is used to determine carbon disulfide. Thick-film, wide-bore capillary columns were used exclusively in both the determination and confirmation of the halogenated fumigants. The higher levels of fumigants are also confirmed by full scan GC/mass spectrometry. Samples are analyzed for carbon disulfide, methylene chloride, chloroform, 1,2-dichloroethane, methyl chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethylene, 1,2-dibromoethane, and tetrachloroethylene. A total of 25 whole grains, milled grain products, and intermediate grain-based foods analyzed by this method contained fumigant levels up to 51 ppm (carbon tetrachloride in wheat). Recoveries from fortified samples ranged from 82 to 104%. Chromatograms from this purge and trap method are clean, so that low parts per billion and sub-parts per billion levels can be quantitated for the halogenated analytes. The quantitation level for carbon disulfide is 12 ppb.

Chromatography, Gas↗

The sensitivity of some avian viruses to formaldehyde fumigation.

Various avian viruses (infectious bursal agent, reovirus, adenovirus, infectious bronchitis, Newcastle disease, poxvirus, avian encephalomyelitis and infectious laryngotracheitis virus) as suspensions in buffer or in a litter slurry were exposed to aerosolized formalin in an attempt to determine the efficacy of this fumigation method for decontamination of laboratory isolation cubicles. Formalin (37% formaldehyde) was delivered by a commercial insecticide fogger at a flow rate of 40 ml per minute and a volume of 36 ml per cubic meter of space. Fumigated cubicles were left sealed for 18 hr (cycle 1) before viruses were sampled, or were then exposed to a second fumigation and left sealed for an additional six hour period (cycle 2) before viruses were titrated (commencing at a 1:10 dilution) for residual infectivity. Although the infectivity of all viruses was reduced by over 99% by one fumigation cycle, the second cycle was necessary for reduction of Newcastle disease and reoviruses to non-detectable (no infectivity demonstrated in a 1:10 dilution of fumigated virus) levels.

Animals↗

[The sterilization effect of formaldehyde fumigating on the catheter place vertically].

UNLABELLED: The aim of this paper is to investigate the effect of formaldehyde fumigating on the sterilization of catheters with different diameters and placed in different positions. The lumen of cleaned catheters with different diameters was filled with a solution of live bacilli coil. The catheters were then dried by a drier and divided into 3 groups for formaldehyde fumigating sterilization. A segment of 5 cm of the middle section of the sterilized catheters was cut and incubated at 36 degrees C for 48 h with bouillon medium. For those segments with positive culture, bacteriologic identification was done. RESULTS: Group A, U = 6.85 and P < 0.01; Group B, chi 2 = 8 and P < 0.01; Group C, chi 2 = 13, P < 0.01. CONCLUSIONS: in the same conditions, fumigating in vertical direction is better than fumigation in horizontal direction and save time; in the same conditions, the positive culture rate is inversely related to the diameter of the catheters; for catheter with a diameter greater than 0.75 cm, fumigating vertically for 2 h is enough to obtain satisfactory sterilization effects.

Catheters, Indwelling↗

Fumigant combinations for Cyperus esculentum L control.

The phase-out of methyl bromide as a soil fumigant has stimulated research into the use of other soil fumigants for weed control. Methyl bromide, methyl iodide, propargyl bromide, 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) and metam-sodium were tested alone and in combination with chloropicrin in laboratory experiments to determine their efficacy against Cyperus esculentus L (yellow nutsedge) tubers. Propargyl bromide and metam-sodium were the most efficacious fumigants tested, with EC50 values of 3.7 and 6.5 microM, respectively. The relative potencies of methyl iodide and chloropicrin were not significantly different but were 2.6 and 2.9 times more potent than methyl bromide, respectively. The EC50 values for all fumigants other than 1,3-D were significantly lower than that of methyl bromide. Combining each fumigant with 17% chloropicrin resulted in a synergistic interaction. The greatest increase in potency between the expected result and the actual result was a relative potency of 3.8 with the methyl bromide/chloropicrin combination. The smallest increase in efficacy was with propargyl bromide and chloropicrin, with a relative potency of 1.5. There was no significant difference between the EC50 values of methyl bromide/chloropicrin and methyl iodide/chloropicrin combinations. Combining 1,3-D with 17% chloropicrin resulted in an EC50 value for C. esculentus control similar to that of methyl iodide applied alone.

Allyl Compounds↗

Air pollution and agricultural aphid pests. I: Fumigation experiments with SO2 and NO2.

A wide range of aphid/host-crop systems was surveyed by means of fumigation experiments in closed chambers for sensitivity to SO(2) and NO(2) at a concentration of 100 nl litre(-1). Aphid performance was measured by the mean relative growth rate (MRGR) of individual aphids. In all cases, except for Acrythosiphon pisum (Harris) on Vicia fabaL., there were increases in the MRGR of the aphids feeding on fumigated plants as compared to clean air controls, both during and post fumigation. The increases in MRGR ranged from 6 to 75%, with the majority falling between 25 and 40%. A. pisum on V. faba showed a consistent negative response, with decreases in MRGR between -9 and -12%. The changes in aohid MRGR were not due to direct effects, as no significant differences in MRGR were observed between fumigated and clean air chambers when aphids were fed on artificial diet sachets during fumigation.

Journal Article↗

Combined use of open-air and indoor fumigation systems to study effects of SO2 on leaching processes in Scots pine litter.

Both an open-air fumigation system and a laboratory-based system were used to expose decomposing Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) needles to controlled concentrations of SO(2) (arithmetic mean </= 48 nl litre(-1)) during a period, in total, of 301 days. The experimental design involved reciprocal litter transplants from 'clean' to 'polluted' air and vice versa, using the two fumigation systems. The objectives were (1) to observe the effects of SO(2) on leachate and litter chemistry, (2) to assess whether pollution-induced changes are reversible in clean air, and (3) to test the suitability of small-scale fumigation chambers (litter microcosms) compared with open-air systems in soil studies. Through the formation of SO(4)(2-) ions, dry-deposited SO(2) exhibited a marked capacity to remove 'base' cations (Ca(2+), Mg(2+) and K(+)) from decomposing pine needles, and also to acidify litter leachates (as indicated by proton fluxes from the litter). When litter was transferred from polluted air (48 nl litre(-1) SO(2), in the open-air system) to either clean or polluted air in the laboratory, the effects of prior exposure to SO(2) on leachate composition were still evident even after 86 days: the role of base cation depletion within the litter, caused by SO(4)(2-)-induced leaching, is discussed. Data for SO(4)(2-) fluxes in leachates collected from the small-scale chambers indicated that dry deposition velocities for SO(2) were not anomalously high within this fumigation system. It is therefore concluded that microcosm studies can provide information complementary to the open-air fumigation approach in soils research.

Journal Article↗

Sulfate concentrations in Norway spruce needles in relation to atmospheric SO(2): a comparison of trees from various forests in Germany with trees fumigated with SO(2) in growth chambers.

Concentrations of inorganic sulfur, organic sulfur and water-soluble cations and anions were determined in needles of young Norway spruce trees (Picea abies L. (Karst.)) that had been fumigated in growth chambers for weeks or months with different concentrations of SO(2), SO(2) plus ozone, or SO(2) plus NO(2). Measurements were also made on needles from older trees growing in forests in various regions of Germany with different mean annual atmospheric SO(2) emissions. In the fumigated young trees, sulfate accumulation in the needles was a linear function of atmospheric SO(2) concentration. Little or no sulfur was incorporated into the organic sulfur fraction. The mean accumulation rate of sulfate in needles of fumigated trees was about 0.4 nmol g(dw) (-1) (nl l(-1))(-1) h(-1), which is very similar to the estimated rate of uptake of atmospheric SO(2) calculated from mean stomatal conductances (15 mmol m(-2) s(-1)) and the external SO(2) concentration (the calculated rate of uptake was 0.37 nmol g(dw) (-1) (nl l(-1))(-1) h(-1)). Concentrations of organic acids and other inorganic ions did not change much in response to SO(2) fumigation. In needles collected from trees in south and southeast Germany, large differences in sulfate concentrations were observed that probably reflect SO(2) emissions in the different regions. The highest foliar sulfate concentrations, and the highest annual increase in sulfate concentration with needle age were observed in material collected from the heavily polluted Erzgebirge (up to 12 micro mol g(dw) (-1) year(-1)), followed by material from the Fichtelgebirge (up to 6 micro mol g(dw) (-1) year(-1)). If it is assumed that this annual increase is the result of uptake of SO(2) from the atmosphere, mean annual atmospheric SO(2) concentrations can be calculated. The calculated values were somewhat below the measured values in the Fichtelgebirge and in the heavily polluted Erzgebirge. Norway spruce trees can cope with high concentrations of atmospheric SO(2), provided that they can neutralize the sulfuric acid formed from SO(2). It appears that, in the field, the acid load is decreased by H(+) translocation to the roots and subsequent H(+)/K(+) exchange. However, this may be a very slow process, because it was not observed in the short-term fumigation experiments.

Journal Article↗

Competitive degradation between the fumigants chloropicrin and 1,3-dichloropropene in unamended and amended soils.

The mixture of 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) and chloropicrin (CP) is used as a preplant soil fumigant. In comparison with individual fumigants, application of a mixture may affect the environmental dissipation and fate of each chemical, such as emission and degradation. We investigated the degradation of CP, 1,3-D, and their mixture in fresh soils and sterile soils, and evaluated the competitive characteristic of fumigants in the mixture. The degradation of low concentrations of CP in fresh soil was accelerated at early times in the presence of 1,3-D, whereas the addition of CP reduced the degradation rate of trans-1,3-D, possibly by inhibiting the activity of trans-1,3-D degrading microorganisms. The potential of applying amendments to the soil to increase the rate of CP and 1,3-D degradation was also illustrated. The degradation of both fumigants was significantly enhanced in soils amended with ammonium thiosulfate (ATS) and sodium diethyldithiocarbamate (Na-DEDTC) compared with unamended soil. Competitive degradation was observed for CP in amended soils in the presence of 1,3-D. The degradation of cis-1,3-D in amended soils spiked as a mixture of 1,3-D and CP was repressed compared with the rate of degradation in samples spiked with 1,3-D only. This implied that in abiotic degradation, CP and cis-1,3-D competed for a limited number of reaction sites in amended soil, resulting in decreased degradation rates. No significant influence of fumigant mixtures was observed for trans-1,3-D in amended soil.

Agriculture↗

Methyl bromide intoxication in four field-workers during removal of soil fumigation sheets.

Methyl bromide is a highly toxic and penetrating compound used extensively as an insecticide for dry foodstuffs and as a soil fumigant (in greenhouses and fields) for the control of nematodes, fungi, and weeds. More than 300 cases of systemic poisoning and 60 fatalities attributable to methyl bromide have been reported [Alexeeff and Kilgore, 1983], resulting in substantial regulations concerning its handling, storage, application, and disposal. A recent exposure incident at a Connecticut nursery represents to our knowledge the first report of toxicity stemming from exposures in the field during removal of plastic sheets days after injection of methyl bromide into soil. Following removal of polyethylene sheets covering soil fumigated with methyl bromide, four field-workers developed fatigue and light-headedness and 3 workers noted progressive respiratory, gastrointestinal (GI), and neurologic symptoms. The acute systemic symptoms improved over several days, but later-onset neuropsychiatric symptoms persisted for several weeks. This incident stresses the need for improved worker education and strict adherence to safety precautions during all stages of methyl bromide fumigation and raises the possibility of an increased risk of toxicity associated with methyl bromide fumigation during a cool season.

Adult↗

The relation between phosphine sorption and terminal gas concentrations in successful fumigation of food commodities.

Owing to increased tolerance and the development of resistance in stored product insects to the fumigant phosphine, in recent years there has been a shift in the target terminal concentration from 100 ppm (100 mL m(-3)) to a higher level of 1000 ppm to achieve 100% insect mortality in 7 day commodity treatments. Therefore, there is a need to investigate whether the revised target concentration could be achieved for food commodities fumigated with phosphine at the standard dose of 2 g m(-3) for 7 days under airtight conditions at > or = 25 degrees C. When different types of food commodity (total 74) were fumigated (300 g per replicate) with phosphine at 2 g m(-3) for 7 days, the terminal gas concentrations in the free space of the commodities varied from 0 to > 2000 ppm. In chambers containing no substrate, a 1417 ppm concentration was recorded. Paddy rice, most of the oilseeds, shelled tree nuts, butter beans, cardamom, green gram splits, coriander powder, rice bran and cocoa powder were more sorptive (> or =60%), such that the target concentration of 1000 ppm was not achieved at the end of 7 days. For these commodities, increased doses of 3-6 g m(-3) were required to attain 1000 ppm. In-shell almonds, green cardamom, in-shell peanuts, leaf tea, tamarind pulp and sunflower seeds were exceptionally sorptive (>90%), so that 0, 41, 112, 168, 203 and 217 ppm respectively were noted at the end of 7 days; the dose must exceed 6 g m(-3) for effective fumigation of these commodities.

Adsorption↗