High latitude regions experience unique conditions that affect the degradation rate of agrochemicals in the environment. In this study, data collected from two field sites in Alaska were used to generate a kinetic model for the degradation of picolinic acids aminopyralid and clopyralid and to describe the microbial community response to herbicide exposure. Quantification was performed using LC/MS-MS and microbial diversity assessed via next-generation sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA genes. Both compounds degraded/dissipated rapidly between 0-28 d (t<sub>1/2</sub> = 9.1-23.0 d), then degradation slowed thereafter with persistent levels measured at 0.048-0.120 µg/g aminopyralid and 0-0.046 µg/g clopyralid. Microbial community diversity was moderately impacted by herbicide treatment, with the effect more pronounced at the northernmost field site, Delta Junction. These findings have directed new research efforts into 1) characterizing the interaction between biotic degradation and abiotic partitioning behavior in soils with nutrient amendments and/or sorption agents, and 2) characterizing aminopyralid mobility/exudation in plants subjected to basal bark treatment using invasive bird cherry (<i>Prunus padus) </i>as a model organism.

Picolinic acid attenuation and microbial community effects in Alaskan soils, biotic/abiotic treatment, and insights into plant mobility

255th National Meeting (2018)

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