Destruction of phosphide - contg pesticide residues - with water contg an oxidizing agent at acidic ph

摘要

Rapid and residue less decomposn. of phosphides contained in the residues left after the release of phosphine from pesticides contg. alkali metal and/or alkaline earth metal phosphides (which are used for combatting pests such as insects and rodents) is effected by treating with water to which has been added a water soluble oxidising agent which imparts a pH of 7 to the water (pref. a mixture of CaCOCl)2 and citric acid), so that the phosphide reacts with the water to release phosphine and this is immediately oxidizied by the oxidizing agent to give harmless cpds. The oxidizing agent can be made up into unit dosage forms for adding to the water used for inactivating the pesticide residues, or can be incorporated into the coating of the pesticide so that it dissolves when the pesticide is added to water.