Search Results (251)

This study evaluates the efficiency of sub-stoichiometric Ti₄O₇ titanium oxide anodes for the electrochemical degradation of glyphosate, a persistent herbicide classified as a probable carcinogen by the World Health Organization. After optimizing the process operating parameters (pH and current density), the mineralization efficiency and fate of degradation by-products of the treated solution were determined using a total organic carbon (TOC) analyzer and HPLC/MS, respectively. The results showed that at pH = 3, glyphosate degradation and mineralization are enhanced by the increased generation of hydroxyl radicals (^●OH) at the anode surface. A current density of 14 ${\mathrm{mA} \mathrm{cm}}^{-2}$ enables complete glyphosate removal with 77.8% mineralization. Compared with boron-doped diamond (BDD), ${\mathrm{Ti}}_4{\mathrm{O}}_7$ shows close performance for treatment of a concentrated glyphosate solution (0.41 mM), obtained after nanofiltration of a synthetic ionic solution (0.1 mM glyphosate), carried out using an NF-270 membrane at a conversion rate (Y) of 80%. At 10${ \mathrm{mA} \mathrm{cm}}^{-2}$ for 8 h, ${\mathrm{Ti}}_4{\mathrm{O}}_7$ achieved 81.3% mineralization with an energy consumption of 6.09 ${\mathrm{kWh} \mathrm{g}}^{-1}$ TOC, compared with 90.5% for BDD at 5.48 ${\mathrm{kWh} \mathrm{g}}^{-1}$ TOC. Despite a slight yield gap, ${\mathrm{Ti}}_4{\mathrm{O}}_7$ demonstrates notable efficiency under demanding conditions, suggesting its potential as a cost-effective alternative to BDD for glyphosate electro-oxidation. Full article

Prometryn and acetochlor are herbicides used to control weeds in farmlands and other areas. They enter the soil through direct application, residual accumulation in crops, and atmospheric deposition. The pollution of their residues in the environment has attracted people’s attention. Bioremediation is one of the main methods to solve such problems. In this study, the effects of prometryn and acetochlor-degrading strain NM-1 on soil enzymes, soil microbial communities, and physiological indexes of soybean seedlings during soil remediation were studied, and the relationship between them was discussed. The results showed that 81.54% of prometryn (50 mg·L⁻¹) and 89.47% of acetochlor (50 mg·L⁻¹) were degraded within 15 days after NM-1 inoculation in soil. NM-1 positively affected soil enzyme activities and soil microbial communities, and the abundance of beneficial bacteria in soil increased. More importantly, the inoculation of strain NM-1 under prometryn and acetochlor stress significantly increased plant height, root length, root volume, water content, chlorophyll concentration, and root activity of soybean. The results of these studies showed that the NM-1 strain showed significant potential in bioremediation in order to provide technical support for solving the problem of prometryn and acetochlor pollution. Full article

The extensive use of herbicide 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (MCPA), coupled with its limited biodegradability, has led to its ubiquitous presence in aquatic environments. This work investigates the removal of MCPA (100 mg/L) in the aqueous phase via solar photo-Fenton. The process was carried out in a 700 mL reactor using a Xe lamp that simulates solar radiation (λ: 250–700 nm). A parametric study was conducted to assess the influence of dissolved O₂ on the reaction medium, Fe²⁺ dosage, H₂O₂ concentration and pH₀. The results indicate that dissolved O₂ boosts pollutant mineralization, even working at sub-stoichiometric H₂O₂ concentrations. Under optimal reaction conditions ([Fe²⁺]: 7.5 mg/L, [H₂O₂]₀: 322 mg/L (stoichiometric dose), pH₀: 3.5), the MCPA reached almost complete mineralization (X_TOC: 98.40%) in 180 min. Phytotoxicity and ecotoxicity assessments of treated effluents revealed that even working at sub-stoichiometric H₂O₂ dosages, toxicity decreases with the solar photo-Fenton treatment. Finally, the solar photo-Fenton process was evaluated in relevant matrices (river water and WWTP secondary effluent) and a realistic pollutant concentration (100 µg/L). In all cases, the pollutant degradation was ≥70% in 60 min, demonstrating the potential of this technology as a tertiary treatment. Full article

Pesticide residues pose risks to the environment and human health. Little is known about how tillage and straw management affect herbicide behavior in soil. This study investigated the effects of different tillage practices under varying straw incorporation scenarios on the degradation of five commonly used herbicides in a long-term experimental field located in the maize belt of Siping, Jilin Province. Post-harvest soil samples were analyzed for residual herbicide concentrations and basic soil physicochemical properties. A human health risk assessment was conducted, and a controlled incubation experiment was carried out to evaluate herbicide degradation dynamics under three management systems: straw incorporation with traditional rotary tillage (ST), straw incorporation with strip tillage (SS), and no-till without straw (CK). Residual concentrations of atrazine ranged from not detected (ND) to 21.10 μg/kg (mean: 5.28 μg/kg), while acetochlor showed the highest variability (2.29–120.61 μg/kg, mean: 25.26 μg/kg). Alachlor levels were much lower (ND–5.71 μg/kg, mean: 0.34 μg/kg), and neither nicosulfuron nor mesotrione was detected. Soil organic matter (17.6–20.89 g/kg) positively correlated with available potassium and acetochlor residues. Health risk assessments indicated negligible non-cancer risks for both adults and children via ingestion, dermal contact, and inhalation. The results demonstrate that tillage methods significantly influence herbicide degradation kinetics, thereby affecting environmental persistence and ecological risks. Integrating straw with ST or SS enhanced the dissipation of atrazine and mesotrione, suggesting their potential as effective residue mitigation strategies. This study highlights the importance of tailoring tillage and straw management practices to pesticide type for optimizing herbicide fate and promoting sustainable agroecosystem management. Full article

High levels of pesticide use are associated with intensive crop production. Pesticides are increasingly prevalent in surface and groundwater, which is a major environmental concern. Various methods have been proposed to improve the retention and/or degradation of pesticides in soils. These methods are mainly based on soil adaptation with organic wastes to mitigate soil and water pollution. In addition, there has recently been increased interest in assessing the influence of organic waste additions on pesticide movement in soils with low contents of organic matter. Agriculture and related industries generate large amounts of waste each year. Because of their components, they have the great ability to produce high-value products for environmental restoration. This study reports on the influence of four different agro-industrial wastes (orange peel, beer bagasse, grape pomace, and gazpacho waste) used as organic amendments on the leaching of metobromuron and chlorbromuron (phenylurea herbicides) on a silty clay loam soil (gypsic–calcaric regosol) with low organic matter contents from a semiarid area (southeastern Spain). The adsorption, leaching, and dissipation processes of these herbicides were evaluated on a laboratory scale in amended and unamended soils. In addition, the main leaching indices (GUS, LIX, LEACH, M LEACH, LIN, GLI, HI, and ELI) commonly used to assess groundwater protection against pesticide pollution were evaluated. The sorption coefficients (K_OC) increased in the amended soils. Metobromuron was found in leachates in all cases, although a marked reduction was observed in amended soils, while chlorbromuron was mainly retained in soils, especially in the top layer. The disappearance time (DT₅₀) for metobromuron and chlorbromuron in soil ranged from 11 to 56 d and 18 to 95 d, respectively. All indices except GLI categorize metobromuron as mobile or very mobile in unamended soil. For chlorbromuron, GUS, LIX, LEACH, MLEACH, and Hornsby classify this compound as a medium-to-high leache, while GLI and ELI classify it as having low mobility. In amended soils, most indices classify metobromuron as transitioning to mobile, while most indices catalog chlorbromuron as immobile/transition. Full article

Synthetic herbicides such as glyphosate and 2,4-D are widely used in agriculture but can negatively impact non-target organisms, including microorganisms essential for ecological balance. Yeasts associated with pollinating insects play crucial roles in plant–insect interactions, yet their responses to herbicides remain understudied. This study aimed to evaluate the capacity of yeasts isolated from bees and beetles to produce indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), a plant-growth-promoting hormone, as well as their ability to tolerate or degrade glyphosate (in the commercial herbicide Zapp QI 620^®) and 2,4-D (in the commercial Aminol 806^®). Seven yeast strains were isolated from insects, identified via ITS sequencing, and assessed for IAA production in YPD medium. Growth assays were conducted under varying herbicide concentrations, and 2,4-D degradation was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. All strains produced IAA, with Papiliotrema siamensis CHAP-239 exhibiting the highest yield (4.17 mg/L). Glyphosate completely inhibited growth in all strains, while 2,4-D showed dose-dependent effects, with four strains tolerating lower concentrations. Notably, Meyerozyma caribbica CHAP-248 degraded up to 46% of 2,4-D at 6.045 g/L. These findings highlight the ecological risks herbicides pose to beneficial yeasts and suggest the potential of certain strains for bioremediation in herbicide-contaminated environments. Overall, the study underscores the importance of preserving microbial biodiversity in the context of sustainable agriculture. Full article

The intensive use of pesticides has raised environmental concerns due to their persistence and slow degradation, posing ecotoxicological risks. Despite regulatory measures, pesticide application remains high, leading to soil and water contamination. To effectively monitor and mitigate these impacts, selecting an appropriate and efficient extraction method for detecting pesticides in soil is critical. This study evaluated the effectiveness of two extraction methods in soil—QuEChERS and QuEChERSER—and assessed the persistence of three commonly used pesticides. A test was conducted using 13 pesticide standards, representing a wide variety of functional groups, to compare the two extraction methods. For the persistence study, a microcosm experiment was performed with three selected pesticides: pendimethalin, oxyfluorfen, and trifloxystrobin. These were chosen due to their agricultural relevance, potential human toxicity, and persistence in various environmental compartments. The impact of two organic amendments on their dissipation was also evaluated. The microcosms were incubated in dark chambers at room temperature for 21 days, and pesticide concentrations were analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Both methods were effective, though performance varied depending on the compound. QuEChERSER proved to be more efficient, requiring less time and fewer resources than the traditional QuEChERS method. Among the three pesticides tested, the herbicide oxyfluorfen was the most persistent, while the fungicide trifloxystrobin showed the least persistence. The application of organic amendments enhanced the dissipation of all three pesticides. These findings highlight the importance of selecting appropriate extraction techniques and adopting sustainable agricultural practices to mitigate pesticide residues in the environment. Full article

A bioassay study was conducted to determine the differences in the sensitivity of selected crops to simulated clomazone residues (nine concentrations were used ranging from 5.625 to 1440 μg a.i./kg soil). White mustard was the most susceptible as measured by shoot fresh weight (SFW) and shoot dry weight (SDW) inhibition, with EC₅₀ values of 94.6 and 128.2 μg a.i./kg soil, respectively. Regarding the EC₅₀ values for the inhibition of pigment content (carotenoids, chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b), sugar beet and white mustard showed a high sensitivity, as the EC₅₀ values for all three pigments were in the range of 45.8–47.4 and 57.5–63.3 μg a.i./kg soil, respectively. However, as the SFW and SDW of sugar beet were only reduced at the three highest clomazone concentrations applied, white mustard proved to be the most sensitive crop. Wheat was less sensitive (EC₅₀ = 214.4–243.8 μg a.i./kg soil, for all three pigments), while sunflower and maize were the least sensitive (EC₅₀ = 359.7–417.5 and 456.1–535.8 μg a.i./kg soil, respectively). Field trials were conducted for two years in the Srem region to study the dynamics of clomazone degradation in sandy loam soil. Clomazone was applied pre-plant incorporated (PPI) and post-emergence (POST-EM) in three doses: 480, 720 and 960 g a.i./ha. Soil samples were taken at regular intervals from the day of herbicide application until one year after application and residue concentrations were determined using the white mustard bioassay (based on the measurement of carotenoid content inhibition). The application rate had no consistent effect on the persistence of clomazone. Slower degradation was observed in the PPI treatment than in the POST-EM treatment (8.5 and 15 days longer average half-lives in the first and second year, respectively). Persistence was affected by lower rainfall, resulting in a longer half-life in the second year (12 days on average). Herbicide residues caused no visible injury to white mustard one year after application, while the reduction in carotenoid content ranged from 0.37 to 22.89%, indicating that no injury can occur to any of the tested crops one year after application of clomazone in sandy loam soil. Full article

Glyphosate (GLYP) is an effective and low-cost broad-spectrum herbicide. However, this herbicide and its primary degradation product, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), have been linked with adverse human health effects. The global use of glyphosate has significantly increased in recent years, resulting in more direct and indirect human exposure. In this context, GLYP and AMPA are often detected in fresh and processed foods for adults and infants, as well as in drinking water worldwide. Diverse extraction and quantification methods for GLYP and AMPA from foods have been developed. Solid-phase extraction and QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) are the most frequently employed cleanup strategies, while LC-MS/MS is one of the most sensitive and selective techniques for detecting GLYP and AMPA in food products. Although most studies show that GLYP and AMPA concentrations in foods remain within established maximum residue limits, occasionally they exceed legal limits. Thus, the widespread presence of GLYP and AMPA in foodstuffs is a public concern that may lead to consumers exceeding the acceptable daily intake due to prolonged dietary exposure, even if levels remain within thresholds. Therefore, this review explores the different approaches and techniques used in the extraction, detection, and quantification of GLYP and AMPA in foods. Full article

The xeno-fungusphere, a novel microbial ecosystem formed by integrating exogenous fungi, indigenous soil microbiota, and electroactive microorganisms within microbial fuel cells (MFCs), offers a transformative approach for agricultural remediation and medicinal plant conservation. By leveraging fungal enzymatic versatility (e.g., laccases, cytochrome P450s) and conductive hyphae, this system achieves dual benefits. First, it enables efficient degradation of recalcitrant agrochemicals, such as haloxyfop-P, with a removal efficiency of 97.9% (vs. 72.4% by fungi alone) and a 27.6% reduction in activation energy. This is driven by a bioelectric field (0.2–0.5 V/cm), which enhances enzymatic activity and accelerates electron transfer. Second, it generates bioelectricity, up to 9.3 μW/cm², demonstrating real-world applicability. In medicinal plant soils, xeno-fungusphere MFCs restore soil health by stabilizing the pH, enriching dehydrogenase activity, and promoting nutrient cycling, thereby mitigating agrochemical-induced inhibition of secondary metabolite synthesis (e.g., ginsenosides, taxol). Field trials show 97.9% herbicide removal in 60 days, outperforming conventional methods. Innovations, such as adaptive electrodes, engineered strains, and phytoremediation-integrated systems, have been used to address soil and fungal limitations. This technology bridges sustainable agriculture and bioenergy recovery, offering the dual benefits of soil detoxification and enhanced crop quality. Future IoT-enabled monitoring and circular economy integration promise scalable, precision-based applications for global agroecological resilience. Full article

This study approaches the characterization of Ferroxite and Hematite and the test of their magnetic properties on the degradation and adsorption of Atrazine, an herbicide of the triazine class. This herbicide was compared with a sample of Ferroxite in the absence of a magnetic field and with Hematite, a non-magnetic material which should not be attracted by the magnet. In the sample, the Atrazine determination was carried out by Fenton analysis. Preliminary results were satisfactory, gathering a reduction rate up to 85% for Ferroxite in the presence of a magnetic field and 53% for Hematite. The Fenton reaction, however, showed an 87% reduction rate for Ferroxite in the presence of a magnetic field, and 56% for Hematite. These findings have shown that there is a relation between the magnetic field intensity and the adsorption capacity for these materials. Full article

The biodegradation of glyphosate by bacteria is an emerging bioremediation strategy necessitated by the intensive use of this herbicide in global agriculture. This study systematically reviews the literature to identify bacteria with the potential to degrade glyphosate. The PRISMA protocol was utilized, considering relevant articles identified in electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct. The research identified 34 eligible studies, highlighting the genera Bacillus, Pseudomonas, and Ochrobactrum as having the greatest potential for glyphosate degradation. These findings were based on analytical techniques such as High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), which identified and quantified intermediate metabolites, primarily AMPA (aminomethylphosphonic acid), sarcosine, and glyoxylate. This investigation also addressed enzymatic efficiency in biodegradation, emphasizing enzymes like glyphosate oxidoreductase and C-P lyases. The results indicated that South and North America lead in publications on this topic, with Argentina and the United States being the main contributors, reflecting the intense use of glyphosate in these countries. Additionally, studies in Europe and Asia focused on microbial diversity, exploring various bacterial genera. This investigation revealed that despite the promising microbial potential, there are challenges related to environmental condition variations and the cost of large-scale implementation, indicating that continuous research and process optimization are essential for the effective and sustainable application of this biotechnology. Full article

In agricultural production, pesticides play an important role in increasing crop yields. However, pesticide residues are caused by improper handling by users during the production process. Chlorine dioxide and ozone, as strong oxidants with similarity in spatial structure, effectively degrade pesticide residues and are widely used in water treatment and the food industry. In order to better understand the mechanism of chlorine dioxide and ozone on pesticides, the properties of chlorine dioxide and ozone are introduced in this review. Herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides were selected for this study, and the influencing factors, kinetics, and degradation pathways of degraded pesticides are presented. The degradation of pesticides by chlorine dioxide follows the second-order kinetic model, reacting with functional groups with high electron density in pesticides by electron transfer. Ozone selectively undergoes electrophilic reactions with pesticides in solution. In addition, when the reaction system is alkaline, ozone accelerates the decomposition to form hydroxyl radicals ($·\mathrm{O}\mathrm{H}$), which react with pesticides. Ozone degradation of pesticides satisfies the pseudo-first-order kinetic model. By comparing the mechanism of pesticide degradation by chlorine dioxide and ozone, this paper provides a theoretical basis for solving the problem of pesticide residues in the food industry and water treatment in the future. Full article

Extensive utilization of the herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) has resulted in contamination of the aquatic environment; this situation requires effective treatment technology. Ultraviolet-based advanced oxidation processes (UV-AOPs) are widely employed for the removal of organic contaminants from water. This study’s aim was to compare the degradation of the pesticide 2,4-D in UV-C-activated peroxide and peroxydisulfate systems. UV-C irradiation alone exhibited a negligible effect on pesticide degradation, whereas the addition of oxidants significantly enhanced the degradation efficiency relative to 2,4-D. Complete pesticide removal was achieved after 15 min of UV/H₂O₂ treatment, while twice as much time was required with the UV/S₂O₈²⁻ process. COD decreased by 74% and 28% for UV-C-activated peroxide and peroxydisulfate, respectively. Both investigated systems demonstrated good performance for 2,4-D dechlorination. Pesticide degradation rates increased with increasing dosages of the applied oxidants. Acidic conditions were more favorable for degradation of 2,4-D, compared to neutral and basic conditions, for both systems studied. The degradation efficiency relative to 2,4-D decreased in the presence of HA, Cl⁻ and HCO₃⁻ in water matrices. The predominant radical for the UV-C-activated peroxydisulfate was determined to be a sulfate radical. These findings are of fundamental and practical significance in understanding UV-C-activated 2,4-D degradation, paving the way for the selection of preferred processes for the optimal removal of pesticides from various aqueous matrices. Full article

Environmental degradation combined with the need to ensure food security for a rapidly growing world population has prompted the adoption of Sustainable Weed Management Practices (SWMPs), which are expected to reduce crop losses while preserving natural resources. However, evidence shows that farmers are reluctant to adopt them, and European farming remains dependent on chemical herbicides. The objective of this study is to analyze the adoption of SWMPs in Greece by identifying common factors that may explain the information (variance) included in each of two initial sets of variables, separately describing the following: (i) factors that hinder the adoption of SWMPs in Greece; (ii) factors and strategies to promote the use of SWMPs in the country. To achieve this purpose, 121 farmers cultivating annual arable crops in the Region of Thessaly in Central Greece were surveyed by means of a structured questionnaire. Using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to reduce both initial sets of variables and categorize farmers’ responses into two smaller sets of uncorrelated components (dimensions) without missing valuable information, the analysis yielded five factors that limit the adoption of SWMPs (“Costs and availability of resources”; “Environment and land ownership”; “Compatibility and easiness of use”; “Economic performance”; “Social capital and education”) as well as four factors to promote their use (“Policy, research and Cooperatives”; “Training and mandatory regulations”; “Technology and networking”; “Targeted approaches”). The derived factors can be used in terms of policy objectives, as each dimension represents different aspects to be considered when developing effective strategies and integrated policies for the evolution and further expansion of SWMPs. Full article