Optimalisation and feasability of bioremediation systems for the processing of spray losses of pesticides

Abstract

Contamination of ground and surface water puts pressure on the use of pesticides. Pesticide contamination of water can often be linked to point sources rather than to diffuse sources. Examples of such point sources are areas on farms where pesticides are handled, filled into sprayers and where sprayers are cleaned. To reduce contamination from these point sources, different kinds of bio-remediation systems are in various member states of the EU. Bioremediation is the use of living organisms, primarily micro-organisms, to degrade the environmental contaminants into less toxic forms. In this study, the behaviour of six different pesticides with varying physico-chemical properties on substrates used in a bioremediation system is studied. The adsorption of individual pesticides on the substrates is determined. After determination of the adsorption coefficient Kd, it could be concluded for metalaxyl that coco chips had the highest sorption capacity, followed by straw, compost, willow chopping and a sandy loam soil.