Persistence and Degradation of Pesticides in Composting

Introduction Composting is a process in which microorganisms rapidly consume organic matter, using it as an energy source and converting it into carbon dioxide, water, microbial biomass, heat and compost. Feedstock used to fuel the composting process may originate from a number of different sources, including yard trimmings, manure, biosolids, and agricultural residues. These materials may contain a number of synthetic organic compounds or xenobiotics, including pesticides.