Edaphic Aspects of the Disposal of Unused Pesticides, Pesticide Wastes, and Pesticide Containers

Abstract

With a view toward the disposal of large quantities of pesticides in the soil, the biodegradation and the effects on the soil microflora of 20 single analytical grade and formulated pesticides and 7 mixtures of formulations were investigated in a calcareous West Point loam. The soil was amended with 11,227 kg/ha (5 tons/acre) of the respective active ingredient(s) and subsequently incubated for 56 days. The extent of biodegradation was estimated from the CO2 evolved during the incubation and the effects on the microbial populations were determined from plate counts of the incubated samples. Four of the standards and eight of the formulations apparently were partly degraded. Single pesticides severely inhibited bacterial growth but affected streptomyces and fungi much less drastically. Mixtures of formulations seemed to be more biodegradable than the single pesticides provided that at least one or two pesticides in a mixture were relatively rapidly biodegraded. The mixtures severely reduced the numbers of bacteria but in general favored growth of streptomyces and fungi. Incineration of liquid formulations at 900C produced little ash. The incineration of solids, however, yielded substantial amounts of incombustible residues. Analysis of the ash from the solids indicated in several cases the presence of toxic elements such as Br, As, Zn, etc.

Assessment of hazards associated with pesticide container disposal and of rinsing procedures as a means of enabling disposal of pesticide containers in sanitary landfills

“…Niclofen and carbofuran containers had the highest residues, 2.2% and 2.7%, respectively, of the original contents; these values agree well with those obtained in the Cooper study (2.2-2.8%) reported by Stojanovic et^ al_. 1 . These amounts of material are considerable and for efficiency should have been rinsed into the spray tank by the operators.…”

Disposition of Orange Herbicide by Incineration. Revised Draft Environmental Statement

“…Twenty-four organisms required 10,000 ppm 2,4,5-T for growth restriction to occur. In the study by Stojanovic, Kennedy, and Shuman (1972), 5,000 ppm of an equal mixture 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T inhibited growth of bacteria and actinomycetes but the total number of fungi increased during the 56-day incubation period. Kearney, Woolson, and Ellington (1972) in the laboratory studied the persistence of TCDD in two soils, Lakeland sand and Hagerstown silty clay loam, at three rates of application(l, 10, and 100 ppm) for 360 days.…”

“…Colmer (1953) found that 5,000 ppm 2,4-0 were at first inhibitory to a bacterium, but after subculturing three times the organisms grew rapidly in the 5,000 ppm concentration. Stojanovic, Kennedy, and Shuman (1972) added a mixture of 2;4-D and 2,4,5-T (similar to the formulation of herbicide Orange) to soil at a concentration of 5 tons/acre (5,000 ppm in top 6 inches of soil). Seventy-eight percent of the herbicide carbon was given off as carbon dioxide in 56 days.…”

Environmental Statement. Disposition of Orange Herbicide by Incineration

“…Twenty-six species were not inhibited by 10,000 ppm 2,4-D. Twenty-four organisms required 10,000 ppm 2,4,5-T for growth restriction to occur. In the study by Stojanovic, Kennedy, and Shuman (1972), 5,000 ppm of an equal mixture 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T inhibited growth of bacteria and actinomycetes but the total number of fungi increased during the 56-day incubation period. Kearney, Woolson, and Ellington (1972) in the laboratory studied the persistence of TCDD in two soils, Lakeland sand and Hagerstown silty clay loam, at three rates of application l, lO, and 100 ppm) for 360 days.…”

“…Colmer (1953) found that 5,000 ppm 2,4-D were at first inhibitory to a bacterium, but after subculturing three times the organisms grew rapidly in the 5,000 ppm concentration. Stojanovic, Kennedy, and Shuman (1972) added a mixture of 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T (similar to the formulation of herbicide Orange) to soil at a concentration of 5 tons/acre (5,000 ppm in top 6 inches of soil). Seventy-eight percent of the herbicide carbon was given off as carbon dioxide in 56 days.…”