Vol. 25, No. 3 (2026), IA26848 https://doi.org/10.24275/rmiq/IA26848

The influence of N-fertilizers on the biodegradation of N-heterocyclic pesticides by acclimated microbial communities in HMPBR

 

Authors

V. Gómez-Murcia, N. Ruiz-Ordaz, J. Galíndez-Mayer, F. Santoyo-Tepole, C. Juárez-Ramírez

Abstract

The persistence of N-heterocyclic pesticides such as triazines, pyridines, pyrimidines, benzimidazoles, triazoles, and neonicotinoids, poses a significant threat to soil health, a problem often exacerbated by nitrogenated fertilizers that inhibit biodegradation by native microbiota. This study investigates the potential of acclimated microbial communities (MCs) to circumvent this inhibition and enhance soil bioremediation. The research used two prototypes of horizontal multistage packed-bed biofilm reactors (HMPBRs) functioning as permeable reactive biobarriers. These reactors consist of four equalizer-oxygenator compartments (EOCs) designed to supply increasing loads of N-fertilizers while ensuring adequate oxygenation. Through convective transport, dissolved oxygen is delivered to the packed zones, maintaining a microaerophilic environment that sustains the microbial biofilm. The experiments, conducted using gradient D-Stat cultures, utilized MCs specifically acclimated to atrazine and diazinon. Contrary to existing literature suggesting that alternative nitrogen sources hinder pesticide degradation, the results demonstrated that acclimated MCs maintain removal rates and efficiencies near 100%, even under elevated nitrogen loading rates. This study concludes that acclimated microbial communities are robust and suitable tools for the effective remediation of soil and water contaminated with N-heterocyclic pesticides, providing a viable solution for environments where synthetic fertilizers are extensively applied.

Keywords

Biofilm reactor, diazinon, atrazine, biodegradation, microbial community.

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