KELTHANE DECONTAMINATION STUDIES ON ALMOND HULLS

Decontamination of Kelthane residues on almond hull meal was studied by exploitation of such physical or chemical properties of the pesticide as volatility, instability to hydrolysis, and other treatments. Excess moisture was essential for best removal of the pesticide from the hulls by warm air. Water washing was inefficient for decontamination. Vapor treatment of the hulls with benzene removed 91 % of the Kelthane and 75% of the total residue due to the formation of 4,4′-dichlorobenzophenone (4,4′-D), water removed 80% of the Kelthane and 68% of the total residue, and 15% ammonia in water removed 57% of the Kelthane but no significant amount of the total residue due to 4,4′-D formation. A hot chemical alkaline wash with various reagents removed 80 to 100% of the Kelthane contaminant and 41 to 96% of the total residue due to the formation of 4,4′-D. Feed ingredient analyses were performed on the treated hulls. © 1969, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.