VOLATILIZATION OF SOME HERBICIDE-RELATED NITROSAMINES FROM SOILS

The volatilization of four nitrosamines from soil was studied under laboratory conditions. From 30 to 80% of the low molecular weight nitrosamines that were surface-applied volatilized within a few hours. Incorporation of nitrosamines into the soil reduced both the extent and rate of volatilization. Most of the nitrosamine volatilization occurred within the first few days; this behavior contrasted with that of two dinitroaniline herbicides, which continued to volatilize for several weeks.