Rate of volatilisation of pesticides from soil surfaces; comparison of calculated results with those determined in a laboratory model system

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Abstract
A laboratory model system for the determination of the volatility of non‐ionic pesticides from soil surfaces is presented. The pesticides examined were the insecticides methidathion, diazinon, and isazophos, the herbicide metolachlor, and the fungicide metalaxyl. The rates of volatilisation of these compounds from soil increased with increasing pesticide concentration, temperature and air flow rate and with decreasing soil organic matter content. The volatilities of the same pesticides were also calculated by using their vapour pressure, water solubility and soil adsorption data. The excellent correlation between calculated and experimental results showed that information on the volatility of a chemical can be obtained simply by calculation. Such calculations allow the classification of each pesticide according to its volatility, and therefore represent a useful alternative for volatility studies in laboratory model systems.