Occurrence of glyphosate in surface and drinking water sources in Cúcuta, Norte de Santander, and its removal using membrane technology

Glyphosate is currently the herbicide with highest use worldwide for weed control. It has been detected in different water sources, including drinking water, which could be generating potential damage to human health. In Metropolitan Area of Cúcuta, intensive rice cultivation predominant, and as it grows flooded areas, herbicides greater contact bodies, are used sources supply. Based on this, concentration glyphosate was quantified five sampling points surface Pamplonita Zulia rivers, using UV-Vis spectrophotometry, establishing that found (216 204.5 µg/L) below maximum allowable limits countries such United States, Canada, Australia above those European Union Kingdom. Once occurrence identified, removal capacity evaluated membrane technology through reverse osmosis (RO) nanofiltration (NF) a pilot plant, response optimization models were implemented, 100% removals obtained, repeatability close 1% respect other reported investigations, highlighting NF process more efficient even though molecular weight limit membrane. contrast, determined that, according concentrations supplied this low risk guidelines quality Canada moderate World Health Organization (WHO). The conventional systems purification insufficient remove traces contaminants herbicides. Therefore, necessary implement new technologies.