ABSTRACT
Eurasian watermilfoil, Myriophyllum spicatum has increased rapidly and is an important pest in numerous fresh and brackish waters of New Jersey and other states where it chokes out waterfowl food plants; interferes seriously with boating, fishing, and swimming; and lowers real estate values. Formulations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxy are used extensively and effectively for control of aquatic vegetation in lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. The high solubility of calcium and magnesium salts of 2,4-D determines the fate of the herbicide in lakes and reservoirs, and the possible use of limestone products for its chemical removal at potable water treatment plants. Residual chlorine was determined at various time intervals and the residual 2,4-D compound was determined after 3 hr. The biodegradation appeared to follow zero-order kinetics, with the oxidation rate independent of the substrate concentration. When the ratio of microorganism concentration to 2,4-D concentration was held constant, constant oxidation rates were observed suggesting the enzyme systems were saturated with substrate.
