Evidence for 2,4‐D mineralisation in Mediterranean soils: impact of moisture content and temperature

Abstract

This study shows that, although soil microbiota can adapt to rapid mineralisation of 2,4-D, this microbial activity is strongly dependent on climatic parameters. It suggests that only limited pesticide biodegradation occurs under Mediterranean climate, and that arable Mediterranean soils are therefore fragile and likely to accumulate pesticide residues.

Diuron mineralisation in a Mediterranean vineyard soil: impact of moisture content and temperature

“…The pesticide‐degrading ability of the soil microbiota can be impaired by harsh summer conditions 32. In addition, 2,4‐D mineralisation was shown to be very low in Mediterranean soils incubated at relatively high temperature and low moisture content 33. These studies underline the importance of temperature and moisture content on the pesticide‐degrading ability of the soil microbiota, which accomplishes a key ecosystemic service responsible for natural pesticide attenuation.…”

Fate of Pesticides in Soils: Toward an Integrated Approach of Influential Factors

“…It could explain why some authors concluded that the amount of bound residues seemed to be inversely proportional to mineralization. These results also explain why pesticide degradation is reduced (with increase in persistence) in areas characterized by elevated temperature and limited rainfall (Bouseba et al, 2009). Temperature.…”

“…Alletto et al (2006) demonstrated that isoproturon mineralization was largely affected by temperature in both surface and subsurface soils but degradation seemed more sensitive to water content variations than temperature ones. Pesticide biodegradation could also be affected in temperate regions if global warming lead to drastic changes (Bouseba et al, 2009). For example, Levy et al (2007) showed that the harsh summer conditions of 2003 altered the structure of the microbial communities involved in isoproturon biodegradation and decreased severely isoproturon mineralization.…”

“…Because fungi often degrade pollutants using exocellular enzymes, these enzyme-catalyzed processes should be regulated in soils with respect to moisture for an optimal activity (Baldrian, 2009). Soil moisture affects not only the activity but also the diversity of soil microbes (Bouseba et al, 2009). For example, fungi have an adaptative advantage with respect to bacteria to water fluctuations.…”

Influence of Olive Oil Mill Waste Amendment on Fate of Oxyfluorfen in Southern Spain Soils

“…Oxyfluorfen dissipation can be attributed to microbial degradation and depends on microbial species and temperature . Some authors have found that an increase in soil moisture level consistently decreased pesticide persistence and it has been related either to an increase in pesticide bioavailability or/and to an enhancement of soil microbial activity . Differences in degradation rates with soil moisture could be more related to changes in microbial population activity.…”