ABSTRACT
Sugarcane is currently highlighted as a raw material for energy and biofuel production. Brazil is the largest producer of this crop and due to its large-scale production; it requires the application of chemical products to control weeds. Hence, tebuthiuron is one of the most used herbicides in Brazilian sugarcane crops. Although pesticides have a beneficial effect on agricultural productivity, the potential risk of these chemicals in the environment must be considered, which has aroused scientific interest for their degradation. Its adverse effects have alerted to the environmental risk of pesticides. It can be cited- toxicity to non-target species and generation of intermediate compounds is more than initial molecule. Another important factor to consider is the effect of environment changes and its relationship with pesticides behavior in nature.
Thus, fertigation technique with vinasse used in sugarcane cultivation is included. Several studies have revealed that soil with vinasse has less capacity to retain tebuthiuron, which increases herbicide concentration in environmental matrix. However, these studies did not evaluate the bioremediation potential and the toxic effect of the association herbicide/vinasse. Therefore, knowledge of tebuthiuron environmental behavior associated with vinasse is necessary to minimize the risks of soil and water contaminations, and to propose an ecologically viable alternative for remediation.
