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Published on: December 9, 2012
A hydrological modeling framework for defining achievable performance standards for pesticides
Alain N Rousseau1, Pierre Lafrance, Martin-Pierre Lavigne
1Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique-Centre Eau, Terre et Environnement, Québec, Canada. alain.rousseau@ete.inrs.ca
Journal of Environmental Quality
|January 6, 2012
Summary
This study introduces a hydrological modeling framework to set achievable performance standards (APSs) for pesticides. Implementing beneficial management practices (BMPs) effectively reduces pesticide concentrations, safeguarding river ecosystems.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Hydrology
- Ecotoxicology
Background:
- Pesticide contamination poses risks to aquatic ecosystems.
- Defining ecological thresholds for pesticides is crucial for water quality management.
- Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs) are key to mitigating pesticide runoff.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a hydrological modeling framework for establishing Achievable Performance Standards (APSs) for pesticides.
- To quantify APSs for eight common pesticides in six Canadian watersheds.
- To assess the impact of BMPs on pesticide concentrations in river systems.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an integrated hydrological modeling system (Gestion Intégrée des Bassins versants à l'aide d'un Système Informatisé).
- Simulated pesticide concentrations under current conditions and with BMP implementation.
- Evaluated APSs against ecological thresholds for good ecological condition.
Main Results:
- APS values decreased significantly with the implementation of BMPs.
- Pesticide concentrations with BMPs were generally below ecological thresholds at watershed outlets.
- Upstream river reaches showed higher risk due to limited stream flow and overland pesticide loads.
Conclusions:
- The "hydrological modeling-APS estimation-ecotoxicological significance" approach effectively interprets the biological impact of pesticide concentrations.
- BMPs are effective in reducing pesticide levels to meet APSs.
- Management strategies should consider upstream risks and localized hydrological conditions.
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