Investigating Bioremediation in Local Rice Fields for a Healthier and Safer Ecosystem

The bioremediation project team will conduct research and outreach activities focused on mitigating the impact of a glyphosate-based herbicide commonly used for controlling levee weeds in Sacramento Valley rice farms. Floodwater from rice fields is released into the Sacramento River, a critical ecosystem that serves as the main drinking water source for Sacramento, feeds into the Bay-Delta watershed, provides habitats for several endangered species, and intersects migratory birds’ “Pacific Flyway.” They will investigate the potential synergistic effects of fungi (including koji), modified biochar, and UV-C radiation. The testing processes will be measured through the survival of rice plants plus mass spectrometry.