Application of urea hydrogen peroxide: Degradation of glyphosate in soil and effect on ammonia nitrogen effectiveness and enzyme activity

Abstract

Glyphosate is one of the most widely used pesticides globally. However, glyphosate and its residual metabolite, aminomethyl phosphonic acid (AMPA), are persistent and mobile chemicals. Large amounts of glyphosate residue can accumulate in the environment, causing adverse effects in organisms. Urea hydrogen peroxide (UHP) in soil slow-release H2O2 undergoes a Fenton-like reaction with Fe2+, and the resulting hydroxyl radical (·OH) degrades glyphosate. This experiment investigated the effects of three fertilisers (UHP, ferrous sulphate, and urea) on the degradation of glyphosate in agricultural soils and their effects on soil ammonia nitrogen effectiveness and enzyme activity. Among all treatments, the half-life of glyphosate in the mixed application of UHP and ferrous sulphate was the shortest (11.9 d), and its degradation rate was the highest (70.64%), degrading within 28 d. Throughout the experimental cycle, in 1–7 d, the application of UHP reduced the effect on indigenous microorganisms and maintained nitrogen availability and enzyme activity in the soil; in 7–14 d, the mixed application of UHP and ferrous sulphate alleviated the nitrification of soil nitrogen and reduced the loss of ammonia from the soil; in 14–28 d, the mixed or single application of UHP and ferrous sulphate and the low dose of glyphosate remaining in the soil had a catalytic effect on enzyme activity, promoting the secretion of catalase and nitratase, which participate in soil glyphosate degradation and nitrogen cycling. Therefore, this study provides a scientific basis for the in-situ remediation of herbicide-contaminated soil in agricultural fields using chemical fertilisers.