Penetration and sorption of methyl bromide in returnable plastic containers

Abstract

Methyl bromide (MB) penetration rates, sorption levels, and concentration.time (CT) products were compared in returnable plastic containers (RPCs) and corrugated grape boxes (CGBs). During a 2.5-hour fumigation, sorption of methyl bromide in RPCs and CGBs was 9.8% and 18.1%, respectively. The lower sorption in RPCs increased the exposure of grapes (Vitis vinifera) to MB. Equilibrium concentrations of MB (concentrations that had stabilized) in RPCs and CGBs were 68.2 and 59.2 g·m-3 (4.26 and 3.70 lb/1000 ft3) respectively. The CT products in RPCs and CGBs were 170.5 and 147.6 g·h-1·m-3 (10.66 and 9.19 lb/h/1000 ft3), respectively, and far below phytotoxic concentrations according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture schedule.