Enhanced retention of hydrophobic pesticides in subsurface soils using organic amendments
Marijana Kragulj Isakovski, Irina Jevrosimov, Dragana Tamindžija, Tamara Apostolović, Heike Knicker, José M. de la Rosa Arranz, Srđan Rončević, Snežana Maletić
Abstract
) for OPPs ranging from 10 to 350, with biodegradation rates varying between 0.05 % and 75 %, indicating a positive correlation between retardation and biodegradation. The detection of biodegradation byproducts, including derivatives of phosphin, pyridine, and pyrazole, in the column leachate confirmed that biodegradation had occurred. Additionally, principal component analysis (PCA) revealed positive correlations among retardation, biodegradation, specific surface area (SSA), aldehyde/ketone groups, and bacterial count. These findings demonstrate the potential of biochar and hydrochar amendments to enhance OPP immobilization in contaminated soils, thereby reducing their leaching into groundwater. This study offers a comprehensive approach to the remediation of pesticide-contaminated soils, advancing both our fundamental understanding and the practical applications of environmental remediation techniques.