Document Type

Technical Report

Publication Date

8-1-1982

Keywords

Absorption, aquatic bacteria, aquatic fungi, Bacillus, bioaccumulation, degradation, herbicide, microorganisms, non-point pollution, organic matter, Pseudomonas, regresson analysis, sediments, soil bacteria, soil fungi, soil physical properties

Abstract

The herbicide atrazine is used extensively to control broadleaf and grass weeds in such crops as sorghum and corn. A small portion of the atrazine may be lost from the area of application by surface runoff and could enter a stream or lake. The objective of this study was to evaluate atrazine degradation, sorption, and bioconcentration in watersediment systems. The results indicated that sediments with lower pH values and higher organic matter levels adsorbed higher levels of atrazine than sediments with neutral pH values and lower organic matter levels. Microbial decomposition of the herbicide was slow under the conditions of this study. Accumulation of atrazine by microorganisms in an aqueous system was demonstrated4 The results indicated that the organic fraction of a water system may be the most important adsorption ccmponent. Data from this study will be useful in assessing the ramifications of herbicides in aquatic ecosystems and provide a better understanding of the reactions of herbicides in sediment-water systans.

Report Number

PUB087

Page

46

Download

Share

COinS