YELLOW RAIN-ANALYSIS EVALUATION OF LEAF SAMPLES

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 00037506
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2022
• Document Release Date: September 26, 2017
• Case Number: F-2012-01432
• Publication Date: March 25, 1986

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Analytical Division
Research Directorate
25 Mar 86
Analysis/Evaluation of Leaf Samples
A shipment designated 10027 CCC consisting of two leaf $821 89
received by the Analytical Division from FSTC 1 Janua
e first sample,
designated 10027CC0-1 consisted of a large �rown leaf with yellow spots
aud what appeared to be white mildew or fungal areas. (Fig 1). The
second sample, designated 10027CCC-2 consisted of a smaller leaf with
similar spots (Fig 2).
Vapor samples withdrawn from within each sample enclosure were
subjected to analysis by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/KS). A
portion of each sample was extracted with chloroform. Another portion
was extracted with 1:1 methanol: water. The solvent soluble materials
were analyzed by GC/!LS, ion chromatography (IC), thin layer
chromatography (TLC) and infrared spectrometry (IR). A portion of each
leaf sample was subjected to scanning electron microscopy evaluation.
The GC/MS spectra of the vapors associated with each of the leaf
samples identified the presence of diphenylamine and a series of
phthalates. Each of these compounds could be from the plastic
containment bags, or be a dissemination component. The GC/MS spectra of
the chloroform eolubles identified the presence of phthalates in each
sample. IC detected no ions of interest. No detectable components were
separated by TLC. IR identified the presence of water, aliphatic
hydrocarbons, a carbonyl band at 1735 cm , and possible soil components.
Derivatization with negative ion chemical ionization KS detection
identified the possible presence of neosolaniol in sample 1 and T-2
tetraol in sample 2 at very low picagram levels. Outside laboratories
were unable to confirm the presence of trichothecenes since their minimum
detection level was higher than CRDEC's. SEX identified spores with an
hypae overgrowth (Fig 3) and pollen, including an unusual triangular
shaped pollen (tricolparate) (Fig 4) on sample 1. The same materials
were identified on sample 2 in addition to a striated crystalline
material resembling that of sample 10027 TY-1.
Conclusion:
No evidence of any CW agent or agent degradation product was
detected. The unconfirmed detection of low levels (picagrams) of the
trichotheeenes aeosolaniol and T-2 tetraol is of interest. The
significance of possible trichotheceme detection combined with the
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presence of phthalates, and a striated crystalline structure, which could
be dissemination components cannot be identified it this time.
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FIGURE 3
SPORES WITH HYPHAE OVERGROWTH
FIGURE 4
TRIANGULAR POLLEN
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