Investigating the Impact of Sewage Sludge on Herbicide Residues in Runoff

Grade Level at Time of Presentation

Senior

Major

Environmental Science

Minor

N/A

Institution

Kentucky State University

KY House District #

57

KY Senate District #

7

Department

Environmental Studies

Abstract

Contaminated surface water has become a critical environmental problem. Soil erosion, nutrient runoff, loss of soil organic matter, and the impairment of environmental quality from sedimentation and pollution of natural waters by agrochemicals have stimulated interest in proper management of natural resources. Herbicides mobility from agricultural activities impact surface water quality. Studies at Kentucky State University (KSU) were conducted to investigate the effect of municipal sewage sludge on the persistence of the herbicide bensulide, also known as Prefare 4E in soil and runoff water following field application. The study was conducted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three soil treatments replicated six times. The three soil treatments used were: sewage sludge (SS) only, sewage sludge mixed with yard waste (SS+YW) compost, and no-mulch (NM) bare soil. Prefare 4E was applied at 2 L of the formulated product (the recommended rate of application) which is equivalent to 2.7 kg active ingredient per acre. Results revealed that the half-life (T1/2) values of bensulide residues in soil varied among the three soil treatments and averaged 44.3, 37.6, and 27.1 d in SS-YW mix, SS alone, and NM bare soil treatments, respectively. We concluded that The incorporation of SS+YW and SS to native agricultural soil could increase water seepage into the soil column, reducing runoff water volume down the soil slope and bensulide residues in runoff following natural rainfall events.

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Investigating the Impact of Sewage Sludge on Herbicide Residues in Runoff

Contaminated surface water has become a critical environmental problem. Soil erosion, nutrient runoff, loss of soil organic matter, and the impairment of environmental quality from sedimentation and pollution of natural waters by agrochemicals have stimulated interest in proper management of natural resources. Herbicides mobility from agricultural activities impact surface water quality. Studies at Kentucky State University (KSU) were conducted to investigate the effect of municipal sewage sludge on the persistence of the herbicide bensulide, also known as Prefare 4E in soil and runoff water following field application. The study was conducted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three soil treatments replicated six times. The three soil treatments used were: sewage sludge (SS) only, sewage sludge mixed with yard waste (SS+YW) compost, and no-mulch (NM) bare soil. Prefare 4E was applied at 2 L of the formulated product (the recommended rate of application) which is equivalent to 2.7 kg active ingredient per acre. Results revealed that the half-life (T1/2) values of bensulide residues in soil varied among the three soil treatments and averaged 44.3, 37.6, and 27.1 d in SS-YW mix, SS alone, and NM bare soil treatments, respectively. We concluded that The incorporation of SS+YW and SS to native agricultural soil could increase water seepage into the soil column, reducing runoff water volume down the soil slope and bensulide residues in runoff following natural rainfall events.