Description:
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as pollutants are generally
considered industrial or urban problems. Agricultural operations
are now being scrutinized as sources of these pollutants. VOCs from
pesticide formulations have been identified as potential contributors
to ground-level ozone formation. Formulation products may contain
a number of volatile and semi-volatile organic chemicals in addition
to the active ingredient(s) that will be emitted from soil or plant
surfaces at different rates. Furthermore, the reactivity of these
components will vary significantly both in the atmosphere and soil
compartments.
Currently, there is no standardized approach for predicting the
emission potential for pesticide formulation products. Some regulatory
agencies have adopted simple laboratory procedures to measure the
volatile fraction of the formulation and thereby to calculate an
emission potential. It is likely that a combination of laboratory
measurements and emissions modeling will be required to more accurately
predict the magnitude and character of emissions. The emissions
models should take into account the physical-chemical properties
of the components, and the interactions with soil and plant matrices.
In this project, a broad search of the scientific literature will
be carried out to compile available analytical methods and modeling
tools to predict the emission potential of pesticide active ingredients
and formulation components. These methods will be critically evaluated
by the project members. Current regulatory approaches used by various
governments where these air quality issues are being addressed will
also be critically evaluated. This project will result in an objective
assessment of the current state of knowledge on this very relevant
topic. Research gaps will be identified and recommendations for
future research will be developed. IUPAC is the appropriate body
to sponsor this research as this work will require significant expertise
on basic chemical properties and environmental fate processes. This
topic is also relevant on an international scale as urban and agricultural
regions merge in many countries.
Progress: