The Detection of Trifluralin Vapors in Air

Abstract

The volatilization of α,α,α-trifluoro-2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropyl-p-toluidine (trifluralin) from a Miller clay and commercial sand was determined by analysis of air samples above the soils. The method requires no extraction of soil or traps and is sensitive to approximately 8 ppm of trifluralin in air. The loss of trifluralin was influenced more by soil moisture than by soil type. Data indicated that trifluralin vapors in air are photolytically degraded. Similar studies were conducted with 4-(methylsulfonyl)-2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropylaniline (nitralin), but volatilization was so slow that detectable concentrations of this herbicide did not occur.