Short- term Influence of Glyphosate on Microorganisms in Backyard Compost

Abstract

The composting process is a natural method of waste disposal. Decomposition of organic matter occur with the participation of various groups of microorganisms. Using glyphosate-based herbicides aims to reduce agricultural losses. Biodegradation of glyphosate in soil is obtain with bacteria and fungi and may affect their functioning. The purpose of this study was evaluating the effects of glyphosate on bacterial diversity during composting and to monitor potential changes in community structure and species abundance. The addition of glyphosate did not affect the morphology of the tested groups of bacteria and did not cause changes in the morphological structure of fungi. Sampling after 10 minutes, 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours showed that the abundance of bacterial colonies changed over time compared to the control groups. However, the results suggest that the addition of glyphosate is insufficient to influence the composting process, thus disturbing the specific biocenosis.