Non-agricultural Applications Research Articles

Evaluation of Physical and Chemical Properties of Poultry Sludge and its Suitability for Reuse in Agricultural and Non-Agricultural Applications

Disposal of poultry sludge is one of the great challenges facing cities because of very strict requirements for landfilling and the scarcity of space for landfills. The present study was therefore aimed at evaluating the physical and chemical properties of poultry sludge and its suitability for reuse in agricultural and non-agricultural applications. Three samples were collected from sludge at the wastewater treatment plant of Al-Thuraya slaughterhouse in Al-Mafraq District, Jordan. The physical and biochemical properties of these samples were analyzed. Also, elemental composition and heat value were determined. The results indicated that poultry sludge had a slightly alkaline pH and a total moisture content of 20%, as well as an average total solid of 80%. The dry solid sludge had a volatile solid content of 94.9% and 5.1% of ash. Also, dry sludge had a high protein content (62 %) followed by carbohydrate (20%) and fiber (17%), with fat being around 1%. The major elements in the sludge were carbon (65.5%) followed by nitrogen (16%), phosphorous (5 %) and sulfur (2%). Heavy metal concentrations in dry sludge ranged from 0.01 to 2 mg/kg. These heavy metal concentrations were well below the safe limits recommended by legislators for sludge used as a fertilizer. The findings from this study revealed that dry poultry sludge offers a wide range of potential uses as fertilizer, animal feed and a source of energy, and it should be considered as a potentially valuable and sustainable resource rather than a waste product.

Environmental monitoring study of pesticide contamination in Denmark through honey bee colonies using APIStrip-based sampling

Due to their extensive use in both agricultural and non-agricultural applications, pesticides are a major source of environmental contamination. Honey bee colonies are proven sentinels of these and other contaminants, as they come into contact with them during their foraging activities. However, active sampling strategies involve a negative impact on these organisms and, in most cases, the need of analyzing multiple heterogeneous matrices. Conversely, the APIStrip-based passive sampling is innocuous for the bees and allows for long-term monitorings using the same colony. The versatility of the sorbent Tenax, included in the APIStrip composition, ensures that comprehensive information regarding the contaminants inside the beehive will be obtained in one single matrix. In the present study, 180 APIStrips were placed in nine apiaries distributed in Denmark throughout a six-month sampling period (10 subsequent samplings, April to September 2020). Seventy-five pesticide residues were detected (out of a 428-pesticide scope), boscalid and azoxystrobin being the most frequently detected compounds. There were significant variations in the findings of the sampling sites in terms of number of detections, pesticide diversity and average concentration. A relative indicator of the potential risk of pesticide exposure for the honey bees was calculated for each sampling site. The evolution of pesticide detections over the sampling periods, as well as the individual tendencies of selected pesticides, is herein described. The findings of this large-scale monitoring were compared to the ones obtained in a previous Danish, APIStrip-based pilot monitoring program in 2019. Samples of honey and wax were also analyzed and compared to the APIStrip findings.

Review of studies analysing glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) occurrence in groundwater

The herbicide glyphosate (N-phosphonomethylglycine) has been the most commonly applied herbicide worldwide for the past 40 years. This review presents and discusses the state of knowledge concerning groundwater contamination by glyphosate and its metabolite, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA). A dataset of 48 reports and articles reporting on glyphosate and AMPA in groundwater worldwide was constructed from the published literature. Specific attention was given to the analysis of available studies on glyphosate and AMPA transport in groundwater to investigate groundwater contamination factors. The information presented in this review highlights detectable groundwater contamination in several countries, with many cases exceeding European groundwater quality standards. Both agricultural and non-agricultural applications of glyphosate can be significant sources of pollution, and proximity to agricultural fields is a significant risk factor. AMPA has two primary sources, glyphosate and amino polyphosphates, but very little information is available about the origin of AMPA detected in groundwater. Glyphosate and AMPA transport to groundwater can be significant in well-structured soils that are rich in macropores, where it generally occurs via preferential flow. An inverse relationship was highlighted between the groundwater depth and glyphosate and the occurrence and concentration of AMPA in groundwater; however, some discrepancies among the studies were identified. Heavy rainfall shortly after glyphosate application poses a high risk of its transport to groundwater. Seasonal trends in glyphosate and AMPA in groundwater, related to application timing, agronomic practices, and weather conditions, were also observed. Finally, risk-management measures are proposed.

Strategies for Enhancing in vitro Degradation of Linuron by Variovorax sp. Strain SRS 16 Under the Guidance of Metabolic Modeling.

Phenyl urea herbicides are being extensively used for weed control in both agricultural and non-agricultural applications. Linuron is one of the key herbicides in this family and is in wide use. Like other phenyl urea herbicides, it is known to have toxic effects as a result of its persistence in the environment. The natural removal of linuron from the environment is mainly carried through microbial biodegradation. Some microorganisms have been reported to mineralize linuron completely and utilize it as a carbon and nitrogen source. Variovorax sp. strain SRS 16 is one of the known efficient degraders with a recently sequenced genome. The genomic data provide an opportunity to use a genome-scale model for improving biodegradation. The aim of our study is the construction of a genome-scale metabolic model following automatic and manual protocols and its application for improving its metabolic potential through iterative simulations. Applying flux balance analysis (FBA), growth and degradation performances of SRS 16 in different media considering the influence of selected supplements (potential carbon and nitrogen sources) were simulated. Outcomes are predictions for the suitable media modification, allowing faster degradation of linuron by SRS 16. Seven metabolites were selected for in vitro validation of the predictions through laboratory experiments confirming the degradation-promoting effect of specific amino acids (glutamine and asparagine) on linuron degradation and SRS 16 growth. Overall, simulations are shown to be efficient in predicting the degradation potential of SRS 16 in the presence of specific supplements. The generated information contributes to the understanding of the biochemistry of linuron degradation and can be further utilized for the development of new cleanup solutions without any genetic manipulation.

Feasibility of re-using soil-like material obtained from mining of old MSW dumps as an earth-fill and as compost

The present study examines the feasibility of using the soil-like material (SLM), less than 4.75mm size, recovered by the mining of old waste from four municipal solid waste dumps of India as an earth-fill for embankments, low-lying areas, deep pits and as compost for horticulture, agricultural applications. This material constitutes 60−70% of the total excavated waste.The contamination levels of SLM for re-use as earth-fills were analyzed on the basis of heavy metals, organic content, soluble salts, and release of dark-colored leachate. The reuse feasibility of SLM as compost was assessed on the basis of nutrients levels (total organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium), heavy metals, and physicochemical characteristics. All the obtained results were compared with the values reported in the literature, national and international regulatory guidelines as well as with the background soils.The presence of high levels of organic matter, heavy metals, and soluble salts indicate that the SLM requires treatment before off-site re-use or that specific design measures are must before placing it as earth-fill in embankments, low-lying areas, and deep pits. The study also reveals that the re-use of mined SLM as compost should be restricted to non-agricultural applications due to excess heavy metals after supplementing the total organic carbon.

Utilization of pine tree biochar produced by flame-curtain pyrolysis in two non-agricultural applications

Main objective of this work was to demonstrate the applicability of biochars obtained from pine tree residues through low cost, easy to operate, flame-curtain pyrolysis, in two distinctively different applications. In the first application, it was shown that base-oxidized pine tree biochar had an excellent adsorption behavior towards U(VI) in aqueous solutions, achieving a qmax value of 800 mg g−1. It was also demonstrated that surface interactions with biochar's oxygen-containing groups dominated over physical interactions with the pore structure. In the second application, KOH-activated pine tree biochar showed a very promising behavior as an electrode material in an electron double-layer capacitor. Due to its high surface area (2500 m2/ g), capacitance values of 190 F g−1 at 10 mA g−1 for discharge process were achieved. As a conclusion, it was shown that flame-curtain pyrolysis biochars are suitable for non-agricultural applications, in the cases where soil application is not an option.

Trends in pesticide concentrations and use for major rivers of the United States

Trends in pesticide concentrations in 38 major rivers of the United States were evaluated in relation to use trends for 11 commonly occurring pesticide compounds. Pesticides monitored in water were analyzed for trends in concentration in three overlapping periods, 1992–2001, 1997–2006, and 2001–2010 to facilitate comparisons among sites with variable sample distributions over time and among pesticides with changes in use during different periods and durations. Concentration trends were analyzed using the SEAWAVE-Q model, which incorporates intra-annual variability in concentration and measures of long-term, mid-term, and short-term streamflow variability. Trends in agricultural use within each of the river basins were determined using interval-censored regression with high and low estimates of use.Pesticides strongly dominated by agricultural use (cyanazine, alachlor, atrazine and its degradate deethylatrazine, metolachlor, and carbofuran) had widespread agreement between concentration trends and use trends. Pesticides with substantial use in both agricultural and nonagricultural applications (simazine, chlorpyrifos, malathion, diazinon, and carbaryl) had concentration trends that were mostly explained by a combination of agricultural-use trends, regulatory changes, and urban use changes inferred from concentration trends in urban streams. When there were differences, concentration trends usually were greater than use trends (increased more or decreased less). These differences may occur because of such factors as unaccounted pesticide uses, delayed transport to the river through groundwater, greater uncertainty in the use data, or unquantified land use and management practice changes.

Fipronil Insecticide and Soil-Sample Handling Techniques of State Regulatory Agencies

The goal of this project was to examine soil-sample handling techniques used by state regulatory agencies that regulate pesticides and their impact on soil-residue levels of the insecticide fipronil and to offer a standardized soil-sampling protocol. In the United States, the pesticide user industry is large for both agricultural and non-agricultural applications. The United States Environmental Protection Agency regulates pesticide use on a federal level, whereas each state has established a “state lead agency” (SLA) that is responsible for state regulation of pesticides. In the absence of mandatory federal protocols for sample collection by SLAs, each state is free to take environmental samples pursuant to administrative or criminal investigations as deemed appropriate. A comparative study of common sampling practices was performed to evaluate the impact of handling methods on results. Soil was treated with fipronil insecticide and placed in two types of storage containers: in opaque bags that block ultraviolet light or in clear glass jars. Soil samples were placed in a commercial freezer, a cooler with commercial ice, and a growth chamber (incubator) that exposed soil samples to heat, humidity, and ultraviolet light. The results of the experiment revealed that within 72 hr, exposure of the soil samples to freezing, humidity, 37.8°C, or commercial ice in a cooler had no statistically significant effect on the level of fipronil residue in the soil samples used in the experiment. However, soil in glass jars placed in the growth chamber and exposed to 51.6 Kj/m2 of ultraviolet light contained significantly less fipronil residue than the standard soil samples.

Discriminating between point and non-point sources of atrazine contamination of a sandy aquifer

This study analyses the sources of atrazine contamination in the Brusselian sandy aquifer of central Belgium. Atrazine has in the past been used for both agricultural and non-agricultural applications, but it is difficult to distinguish the contamination originating from these two sources. The spatial and temporal covariance of atrazine concentrations was studied by fitting semi-variogram models to monitoring data. Correlation ranges were found to be 600 m and 600–700 days, respectively. The results were used to apply a declustering algorithm before examining the distribution of atrazine concentrations measured in groundwater. Monitoring data appeared to follow a pseudo-lognormal distribution, as a lognormality test was negative. An inflexion point on the cumulative density function was thought to indicate the two different pollution processes, i.e., agricultural and non-agricultural contamination sources. A non-parametric one-way analysis of variance suggested that the vast majority of atrazine in groundwater was from non-agricultural, point sources. This was supported by the strong relationship between mean concentrations and land use, whilst other environmental variables, such as soil organic matter or groundwater depth, produced less meaningful results.

The POCER indicator: a decision tool for non‐agricultural pesticide use

Pesticides are used not only in agriculture but also by public services and households. Much information is available on the influence of agricultural applications on human health by occupational exposure and on the environment. There is still a need for adequate information on the impact of non-agricultural applications of pesticides. The POCER indicator (Pesticide Occupational and Environmental Risk indicator) has been developed at Ghent University for agricultural situations, as a tool for applicators and decision-makers, by calculating the impact of pesticide treatments on the applicator, the worker, the bystander, groundwater, surface water, bees, earthworms, birds, useful arthropods and persistence in soil. A few adaptations in the POCER calculation method can make the indicator also very useful for non-agricultural conditions. The impact of plant protection products on human health and environment in public services and households can be calculated and the scores can be compared with each other, resulting in an improved pesticide programme. Decision makers might use the POCER indicator to evaluate the reduction programme of public services and communities and offer them measurements to reduce the impact of pesticides. For example, wearing protective clothing or taking into account the distance between application and surface water can greatly reduce the impact score.

Contribution of non-agricultural pesticides to pesticide load in surface water.

Two small creeks, tributaries of the River Ruhr near Schwerte, Federal Republic of Germany, were investigated to reveal the regional agricultural and non-agricultural sources of pesticide inputs and the main pathways to surface water. In addition, the receiving water was monitored for pesticides. The watersheds are situated at the northern margin of the Rhenian Schiefergebirge, a highland landscape in North-Rhine-Westphalia. Solid carboniferous shale is covered by a shallow layer of quaternary unconsolidated rock (porous aquifer thickness <5 m). Occurrence of herbicides such as chlortoluron, isoproturon and terbuthylazine in surface water could be due to their broad agricultural application in regional dominant crops, such as barley, wheat and maize. Occurrence of diuron and glyphosate results from their use in residential settlements and industrial areas as well as from weed control on railway tracks. Atrazine concentrations up to 0.8 microg litre(-1) indicated recent use of this herbicide, which has been banned since 1991, and was also the result of non-agricultural applications. Pathways for pesticide input to the receiving waters were related to both surface run-off and underground passage. Two-thirds of the observed diuron load in the surface water resulted from an input by run-off. This was expected as a result of total herbicide application targets to sealed surfaces infringing current regulations and recommendations. Diuron load varied between 0.6 and 1.2% of the estimated amount applied annually in the investigated catchments. Non-agricultural pesticide use contributed more than two-thirds of the whole observed pesticide load in the tributaries and at least one-third in the River Ruhr.

RUSLE C-factors for slope protection applications

Despite the fact that the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) was originally developed to estimate erosion rates for agricultural lands, both the USLE and its successors (RUSLE Versions 1.06, 2.0) are increasingly applied to non-agricultural land disturbances. For these non-agricultural applications there is little consensus in the erosion-science community concerning which covermanagement factor (C-factor) values should be used to account for the effects of various slope-protection materials. The purpose of this study is to derive appropriate RUSLE C-factor values from the rainfall-simulation study data collected at the Texas Department of Transportation – Texas Transportation Institute, Hydraulics and Erosion Control Laboratory (TTI) and the San Diego State University, Soil Erosion Research Laboratory (SERL), and to evaluate the utility of such values. RUSLE C-factor values were calculated for over 50 erosion-control products, straw mulch, and several vegetation types for various research conditions. The C-factor values were then compared with the few values provided by the manufacturers of erosion-control products. The C-factor values for straw mulch and the several vegetation types were compared with analogous USLE C-factor values found in Agricultural Handbook 537 (Wischmeier and Smith, 1978) and values calculated using RUSLE2. One-way ANOVA tests and a Tukey test identified a significant difference between the C-factors calculated with the SERL methods and the USLE C-Factors and a second significant difference between the SERL method C-factors and values provided by product manufacturers. To test the spatial and temporal variability of C-factors, monthly values were calculated using RUSLE2 for 49 U.S. cities. A two-factor, without replication, ANOVA test was used to determine that the temporal and spatial variability of C-factor values is statistically significant. As a result of the lack of available C-factors for specific products, the SERL method at best provides a “quick and dirty” C-factor estimation. These values provide a soil-loss ratio useful for comparing the surface protection of similar erosion control products. The results of this study should assist USLE and RUSLE users by increasing awareness of the high variability of available C-factor values and highlight the need for product-specific C-factor values in RUSLE2. Additional

Critical Evaluation of Dichlorvos’ Breast Cancer Risk

Abstract Dichlorvos was once a very popular and commonly used organophosphate pesticide. Dichlorvos applications were not restricted to agriculture. It was widely used as an insecticide in public places and in homes. Its many different non-agricultural applications created the potential for widespread exposure. Dichlorvos use was restricted in response to concerns about its cancer causing potential. For this report, we have used a modification of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) approach to conduct a detailed evaluation of any direct or related evidence of cancer risk from exposure to dichlorvos, with a focus on breast cancer risk. We have critically evaluated al I the available human, experimental animal, and cancer-related molecular and mechanistic studies on dichlorvos. Chemical and up-to-date regulatory information is included, as well as a discussion of dichlorvos’ environmental fate and potential for human exposure. We have classified dichlorvos in Group 3. In the Program on Br...

Non-agricultural Applications of Soil Surveys

Non-agricultural Applications of Soil Surveys

Application of pedological soil surveys to highway engineering in Michigan. In non-agricultural applications of soil surveys. Figs. : Geoderma,V10,N1–2,1973,P87–89

Application of pedological soil surveys to highway engineering in Michigan. In non-agricultural applications of soil surveys. Figs. : Geoderma,V10,N1–2,1973,P87–89

Twenty-five years of application of soil survey principles in the practice of foundation engineering. In Non-agricultural applications of soil surveys : Figs. Geoderma,V10,N1-2,1973,P99–112

Twenty-five years of application of soil survey principles in the practice of foundation engineering. In Non-agricultural applications of soil surveys : Figs. Geoderma,V10,N1-2,1973,P99–112