Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 30, 2026

Measuring Rates of Herbicide Metabolism in Dicot Weeds with an Excised Leaf Assay
Published on: September 7, 2015
Evaluation of herbicide (persistent pollutant) removal mechanisms through hybrid membrane bioreactors
Dimuth Navaratna1, Li Shu2, Veeriah Jegatheesan2
1Institute for Sustainability and Innovation, College of Engineering and Science, Victoria University, Footscray Park Campus, Ballarat Road, Footscray, Melbourne, VIC 8001, Australia.
Abstract:
A laboratory-scale membrane bioreactor (MBR) combined with ultraviolet (UV) disinfection and granular activated carbon (GAC) adsorption was researched for over seven months to evaluate the removal efficiencies and mechanisms of a moderately persistent s-triazine herbicide (Ametryn), which is commonly used in Australian sugarcane farmlands. Long-term experiments showed that MBR alone (15h hydraulic retention time (HRT)) can remove 65% of Ametryn from its influent which had a concentration of 1-2mg/L. A batch study was carried out to assess the mechanisms of removal of Ametryn through MBR and found that 0.1186mg of Ametryn/g-VSS is adsorbed onto sludge particles when 1mg/L of Ametryn is added to the mixed liquor and showed a 64% removal after 12h. This experiment confirmed that 99%, 92% and 83% removal of Ametryn could be achieved only from biodegradation, if the MBR maintains a HRT of 7.5, 2.5 and 1.5days respectively.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Microbial Bioremediation of Pesticides
Bioremediation
Microbial Bioremediation of Hydrocarbons
Environmental Applications of Microorganisms
Bioplastics

