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 Post subject: IBC with Metham fumigant
PostPosted: Aug 20th, '12, 14:00 
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Heya,

I got an IBC from a mate recently, he gave me the choice of a black one or a white one, I said black because I wanted the walls to not let light through. After reading a discussion on here as well it helped me to see that there wasn't anything inherently bad with black tanks.

Anyway it arrived, and it turns out to have contained Metham, a soil fumigant that's used to control weeds before planting.
The MSDS is here:

http://search.nufarm.com.au/default.asp ... yID=509228

My question is: How do I clean this thoroughly? Can I make this safe for aquaponics? I'm a bit dirty that I asked for a black one now...


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PostPosted: Aug 20th, '12, 14:28 
Sounds like the contents are nasty shit... http://search.nufarm.com.au/msds/nufarm ... 107806.pdf


Quote:
If a metham solution is acidified, it will release carbon disulphide, a toxic,
volatile liquid, FP<-30°C, which will catch fire if the vapours come in
contact with any surface at 100°C or higher. The flammable range for carbon
disulphide vapour is 1 to 50%v/v in air.
10. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
Hazardous Reactions Avoid oxidising agents, acids and heavy metal salts.
Metham sodium is stable in concentrated solution, but unstable when diluted,decomposition being
promoted by soil, acids and heavy metal salts. The solution is corrosive to
brass, copper and zinc.
The activity of metham sodium is due to the formation
of methyl isothiocyanate in contact with soil.

Methyl isothiocyanate is a volatile, highly toxic material, its presence is
detected by its extremely irritating effects on eyes, causing copious tear
formation.

May emit toxic fumes of cyanide and nitrogen oxides if material is
involved in fires or subjected to extreme heat.
Also decomposes in acids
with release of carbon disulphide.

Carbon disulphide is toxic and highly flammable.


Quote:
12. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Persistence /
Degradability
In soil, rapidly decomposes to methyl isothiocyanate, which is volatile and
quickly evaporates. Methyl isothiocyanate is a lachrimator, causing stinging
and watering of the eyes.
Known Harmful
Effects on the Environment
The product is a marine pollutant for sea transport.
Other Precautions Do not contaminate dams, waterways or sewers with this product or the
containers which have held this product.
Environ. Protection Spray drift should be avoided, read the label for more information.
Acute Toxicity - Fish The following is data for the active ingredient, metham sodium.
LC50 (96hr) for guppy is 4.2 mg/l.
LC50 (96hr) for bluegill sunfish is 0.39 mg/l.
LC50 (96hr) for rainbow trout is 0.079 mg/l.

Acute Toxicity - Other Organisms
Dietary LC50 (5 days) mallard duck and japanese quail is >5000 mg/kg


If you can find something else... I'd avoid it....

If not... cleaning it could be very difficult.... don't use bleach... vinegar... or lemons....

And wear the appropriate protective gear.... and well ventilate...

Will it be safe afterwards.... hummm.... I wouldn't bet my house, or health on it....

In fact... I'm going to give it an unequovical... thumbs down.... avoid....


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PostPosted: Aug 20th, '12, 20:24 
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Thanks so much Rupert, that really helps to make my mind up.

After reading through the information you provided, and considering the fact that I'm going to have a newborn in the house in a month or so, it's just not worth the risk.

I guess I'm going to have to give it back to my mate :(


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