Este resumen pretende dar una visión global de los aportes de la Universidad de los Andes en el tratamiento de aguas y suelos con la presencia de compuestos de difícil degradación o tiempo de vida media prolongado, tales como fármacos (Ciclofosfamida), lodos aceitosos y derivados de la industria del petróleo (Tolueno, Xileno, Fenol) derivados de la industria textil, química y pesticidas (Bisphenol A, AMBI, Glifosato, Isoproturon y Metobromuron), usando tecnologías ya sea basadas en procesos biológicos (biorremediación y bioadsorción) o de oxidación avanzada (foto-Fenton).

This summary intends to give a global view of the Universidad de los Andes contributions related to the water and soil treatment in the presence of recalcitrant or long half-life aquatic pollutants such as drugs (Cyclophosphamide), oil sludge and petroleum (Toluene, Xylene and Phenol), textile, chemical (Bisphenol A, AMBI) and pesticides (Glyphosate, Isoproturon, and Metobromuron) industry derived products based on biological (bioremediation and bioadsortion) and advanced oxidation (Photo-Fenton) approaches.

The electrochemical oxidation of glyphosate on an electrode of nickel and on one of copper was studied. With both electrodes electrochemical signals related to the glyphosate concentration were observed. However, the behaviour of the copper electrode was much better than that of the nickel electrode. A calibration curve was obtained of the electrical signal of this electrode as a function of the glyphosate concentration. The detection limit was 30 µM. In the case of nickel, an increase in the oxidation signal, which is related to the glyphosate concentration, was obtained. However, the results were less reproducible and additional information is necessary to propose an interaction mechanism between glyphosate and the electrode.