Advances in Chile for the Treatment of Pesticide Residues: Biobeds Technology

The widespread use of pesticides for agricultural and for nonagricultural purposes worldwide has resulted in the presence of pesticide residues in various environmental matrices. The occurrence of pesticide residues in surface waters, groundwater, and large volumes of soil is mainly due to the inadequate management of these compounds. In this context, a biobed system was developed in Sweden in response to the need for a simple and effective way to minimize environmental contamination from pesticide manipulation, particularly when filling the spraying equipment, a typical point source of contamination. Biobeds are based on the adsorption and degradation potential of organic biomixtures composed of top soil, peat, and straw that fills a deep hole in the ground and a grass layer that covers the surface. Recently, the use of biobeds has expanded to other countries in Europe and Latin America. In Chile, four biobeds similar to the European ones have been installed, making this country a pioneer in this type of decontamination system. This chapter gives a general overview of biobeds technology and the advances in research at laboratory scale related to the treatment of pesticide residues in a biobed system in Chile.