Activated sludge respiratory inhibition study with glyphosate based on the OECD 209 guideline

In recent years, household pesticides have gained the attention of the public for their potential toxicity and persistence. Although it is discouraged, with household pesticides there is a potential of down the drain disposal. This study examines potential effects that a household pesticide or home & garden product might have on microorganisms in a wastewater treatment system.
The active ingredient Glyphosate is studied in this test with procedures based on the OECD 209 Guideline titled – Activated Sludge Respiration Inhibition Test often shortened to the “ASRIT.” A Strathtox Respirometer is used to determine the respiration rates of the treated and untreated sludge. The test was conducted twice due to the first results indicating that initial toxicity may be due to a drop in pH rather than pure toxicity of the test substance. Subsequent results seem to support this indication.