Terbutryn is a herbicide mainly used in winter crops, such as wheat and potatoes. Pesticide poisoning with this chemical carries severe consequences, as it affects the central nervous system in animals. Our water technology, Nyex, is extremely effective at terbutryn removal from water. We have reduced terbutryn to below 0.001µg/L (below the limit of detection).

Terbutryn Wastewater Treatment | Terbutryn Removal From Water

Terbutryn Removal from Water

Our water technology, Nyex, is extremely effective at Terbutryn removal from water. We have reduced Terbutryn to below 0.001µg/L (below the limit of detection)

Nyex water treatment removes Terbutryn

Terbutryn is a herbicide mainly used in winter crops, such as wheat and potatoes. Pesticide poisoning with this chemical carries severe consequences, as it affects the central nervous system in animals. Our water technology, Nyex, is extremely effective at Terbutryn removal from water. We have reduced Terbutryn to below 0.001µg/L (below the limit of detection)

Terbutryn Removal from Water

Terbutryn is a widely used herbicide used to control a variety of weeds.

It enters wastewater systems through several pathways, including runoff from agricultural fields, leaching from treated surfaces, and urban runoff. Once in wastewater, Terbutryn can persist due to its chemical stability and resistance to biodegradation.

The accumulation of Terbutryn in wastewater poses significant environmental risks. If not adequately removed, it can contaminate surface and groundwater, leading to adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems.

Terbutryn has been shown to disrupt endocrine systems in aquatic organisms, potentially leading to population declines and biodiversity loss. Furthermore, the presence of such contaminants in drinking water sources raises public health concerns, necessitating effective removal strategies.

What is Terbutryn?

Terbutryn is classified as a triazine herbicide. It is primarily used by farmers to control broadleaf and grassy weeds in crops such as corn, wheat and various ornamental plants.

Developed in the 1960s by Ciba-Geigy, Terbutryn received approval for use in the United States in 1975, followed by approvals in Europe and the UK.

Whilst Terbutryn is primarily used in agricultural applications, it is not intended for direct use on humans or animals. Its primary function is to inhibit photosynthesis in target plants, effectively preventing their growth. However, its environmental persistence raises concerns about its impact on non-target species as well as ecosystems.

Terbutryn in Water

Terbutryn is increasingly recognised as a contaminant of concern due to its potential ecological and health impacts. Its persistence in the environment can lead to bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms, which may disrupt food chains and ecosystems. Additionally, the presence of Terbutryn in wastewater can contribute to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

The relationship between Terbutryn and AMR is complex. Put simply, while Terbutryn itself is not an antibiotic, its presence in the environment can create selective pressures that favour resistant microbial populations.

This can lead to the proliferation of resistant strains, complicating public health efforts to manage infections and treat diseases effectively.

How to Remove Terbutryn from Water

Several systems exist for removing Terbutryn from wastewater, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:

  • GAC (Granular Activated Carbon) Adsorption: This method is effective in adsorbing organic contaminants, including Terbutryn. However, it requires regular replacement or regeneration of the carbon, which can be costly and environmentally taxing.
  • Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs): AOPs utilise strong oxidants like Ozone to break down contaminants. While effective, they can be energy-intensive and may produce harmful by-products.
  • Membrane Filtration: Techniques such as reverse osmosis can effectively remove Terbutryn. However, the high capital and operational costs, along with membrane fouling issues, can limit their widespread application.
  • Biodegradation: While some microorganisms can degrade Terbutryn, the process is often slow and may not be reliable in all wastewater conditions.

Among these methods, the Nyex™ systems from Arvia Technology stand out as the most promising solution. They offer a balance between cost-effectiveness and environmental impact, making them an attractive option for targeted wastewater treatment.

Terbutryn Wastewater Treatment

Nyex™ water treatment systems from Arvia Technology are designed to effectively remove pollutants like Terbutryn from wastewater.

These systems utilise advanced technologies that combine adsorption and electrochemical processes, resulting in high removal efficiencies.

Arvia Technology is a leader in next-generation water treatment solutions, moving away from ‘legacy’ treatment methods that often fall short in terms of efficiency and sustainability.
Nyex™ systems are not only cost-effective but also minimise the (often appreciable) carbon footprint associated with conventional wastewater treatments.

The Nyex Rosalox™ treatment systems integrate the best of adsorption and electrochemistry into a compact design. This innovative approach allows for:

  • High Efficiency: The systems can effectively remove a wide range of contaminants, including Terbutryn, with minimal energy input.
  • Reduced Waste: By combining processes, the Nyex Rosalox™ systems generate minimal waste compared to traditional methods.
  • Scalability: These systems can be easily scaled to meet the needs of almost every tertiary wastewater treatment application.

The advantages of Nyex™ systems over conventional methods include lower operational costs, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced treatment performance – often down to Predicted No-Effect Concentration (PNEC levels).

Stephen Strawn

Wastewater Treatment Consultant

Book a meeting at your convenience to talk to one of our specialists about your wastewater issues. Or send us an enquiry.

Herbicides Environmental Impact

Herbicides play a significant role in modern agriculture, but their environmental impact is a growing concern. These chemicals can contaminate soil and water systems, leading to detrimental effects on ecosystems.

  • Herbicides can pollute water bodies, harming aquatic life. They disrupt the balance of ecosystems, affecting species diversity and food chains.
  • Continuous use of herbicides can degrade soil quality, reducing its fertility and altering microbial communities essential for nutrient cycling.
  • Many herbicides are toxic to non-target organisms, including beneficial insects like pollinators, which are crucial for plant reproduction.
  • Exposure to herbicides has been linked to various health issues, raising concerns about their safety in agricultural practices.

Whilst herbicides are effective for weed control, their environmental consequences necessitate careful management and the exploration of sustainable alternatives. That’s why removing them from wastewater (without a massive environmental impact) is so crucial.

Removing Herbicides from Water

The removal of pharmaceutical products, including Terbutryn, from wastewater is crucial for protecting public health and the environment. The persistence of such contaminants poses significant risks, and effective treatment solutions are essential.

Arvia Technology is at the forefront of this challenge, offering innovative solutions that address the complexities of wastewater treatment worldwide. Arvia’s Nyex™ systems represent a significant advancement in technology, ensuring that all pharmaceutical products and many other recalcitrant organic compounds, not just Terbutryn, are effectively removed from wastewater.

Learn how Arvia products can help

Nyex Rosalox

Nyex Ellenox

Our water technology, Nyex, is extremely effective at Terbutryn removal from water. We have reduced Terbutryn to below 0.001µg/L (below the limit of detection).