Glyphosate Wastewater Treatment | Glyphosate Removal From Water

Farmers and gardeners have widely used glyphosate since the 1970s because it is a very effective herbicide. Scientists have found that it bioaccumulates and can cause cancer in humans and wildlife. Many countries in the world have banned it for this reason.

However, glyphosate is persistent in water and still causes problems. Our Nyex Rosalox can remove it to trace levels, without having to deal with toxic sludge or harmful breakdown products.

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Glyphosate Removal From Water

Glyphosate removal from water

Glyphosate can be difficult to remove from water through conventional treatment methods such as activated carbon and reverse osmosis. However, a more eco-friendly and cost effective solotuion to remove the hazardous herbicide is our Nyex Rosalox system. Our technology combines adsorption and oxidation which has been proven effective in glyphosate removal from water.

What we achieved

Our Nyex Rosalox system successfully removed Glyphosate down to trace levels.

What is glyphosate used for?

The well known weedkiller, Roundup, contains glyphosate. It is a non-selective broad spectrum systemic herbicide. It works when the plants absorb the weedkiller through their leaves.

It is used to kill weeds in crops, as well as for home garden use. It is used all over the world, although many countries have restricted its use.

Glyphosate toxicity in water

Glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, has raised concerns about its toxicity and environmental impact. One major concern is its presence in water sources, which can have detrimental effects on aquatic life and human health. Therefore, finding effective methods to remove glyphosate from water is crucial.

Removing glyphosate and AMPA from water

In addition to glyphosate, its metabolite AMPA (aminomethylphosphonic acid) is also a concern. AMPA can persist in water sources and researchers have found that it has similar toxic effects as glyphosate. To remove both glyphosate and AMPA from water, a combination of treatment methods may be necessary.

Activated carbon, ozone, and reverse osmosis can all be effective in removing both compounds. However, we must carefully consider the potential byproducts and waste generated during the treatment process.

Our Nyex Rosalox water treatment process is very effective at glyphosate removal from water. It does not have any of the downsides associated with activated carbon, ozone or RO.

How to remove glyphosate and AMPA from water

We have worked with several agrochemical companies to remove glyphosate from their effluent. We used Nyex Rosalox, which reduced it to below the level of detection.

Not only did the Rosalox system destroy the glyphosate, but it also destroyed the breakdown product, AMPA.

Rosalox is a system which combines adsorption and electrochemical oxidation in a single unit. It means the electricity is extremely targeted which makes it very efficient.

More information here

Jerome Budin

Water Treatment Consultant

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Other ways to remove glyphosate from water

As discussed, aside from our Nyex Rosalox, there are a few methods that can be used for glyphosate removal from water. None of these methods are without their down sides. Below are the details.

Activated carbon for glyphosate removal from water

One method that has shown promise is the use of activated carbon. Activated carbon has a high surface area and can adsorb organic compounds, including glyphosate, from water. By passing the contaminated water through activated carbon bed, the glyphosate molecules are adsorbed, resulting in cleaner water. This method is relatively simple and cost-effective, making it a viable option for water treatment facilities and even home use.

However, one downside is that the pollutant does not actually get destroyed. Instead, the activated carbon traps it. The carbon needs careful disposal to ensure the pollutant does not enter the environment again. This is usually a very environmentally unfriendly process.

Ozone for glyphosate removal from water

Another potential solution is the use of ozone. Ozone is a powerful oxidizing agent that can break down organic compounds, including glyphosate, into smaller, less harmful molecules. By bubbling ozone through the water, the glyphosate undergoes a chemical transformation and becomes less toxic. Ozone treatment needs careful monitoring and control to fully break down glyphosate and avoid making harmful byproducts.

Also, ozone itself is very dangerous and difficult to manage.

RO for glyphosate removal from water

Reverse osmosis (RO) is another effective method for removing glyphosate from water. This process involves passing the water through a series of fine membranes that can effectively filter out the glyphosate molecules.

However, one drawback of RO is the production of a concentrated reject stream that contains a thick toxic sludge. Proper disposal of this sludge can be costly and poses its own environmental challenges. Therefore, while RO is effective at removing glyphosate, it is important to consider the overall environmental impact of the process.

Removal of glyphosate from water

The removal of glyphosate and its metabolite AMPA from water is a complex issue that requires careful consideration of various treatment methods. Activated carbon, ozone, and reverse osmosis can remove these compounds. However, we must also take into account their impact on the environment. Additionally, we need to determine if they are cost-effective.

Nyex Rosalox is a solution which removes glyphosate from water without dosing with harmful chemicals. It also does not produce sludge, so it is much easier to manage the the three above.

For more information on all of Arvia’s next-generation water treatments, why not schedule a call with one of our water experts today?