Atrazine behavior in an agricultural soil: adsorption–desorption, leaching, and bioaugmentation with Arthrobacter sp. strain AAC22

To evaluate atrazine behavior in an agricultural soil (adsorption–desorption, leaching) and the effects of bioaugmentation with Arthrobacter sp. strain AAC22, as a remediating strategy. An history application was used. Equilibrium batch experiments allowed investigation adsorption–desorption at different depths, while leaching potential assessed using disturbed columns. AAC22 selected for bioaugmentation, to remove microcosms. Removal efficiency determined by bioassay oat seeds. Adsorption desorption isotherms depths were well described Freundlich equation (R2 > 0.99 R2 0.98, respectively). The constant (Kf) coefficient (Kfd1–3) decreased increased, respectively, depth increased. Kf Kfd1–3 values correlated positively organic carbon (r = 0.97) negatively pH − 0.93). In this soil, 70.2% applied (2.5 kg ha−1) recovered leachate 7.6% remained column. higher concentration leached can be explained negative hysteresis soil. Bioaugmentation enhanced removal being nearly 70% after 2 days treatment, it almost complete (> 99%) 8 days. A demonstrated that successful toxic by-products not detected. high mobility study is effective strategy polluted soils.