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Occurrence and distribution of atrazine in groundwater from agricultural areas in China

  • 0China Institute of Geo-Environment Monitoring, Beijing 100081, PR China.
The Science of the Total Environment +

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October 26, 2024

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October 26, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Atrazine (ATZ) herbicide contaminates nearly 41% of groundwater in China

Area Of Science

  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Agrochemicals
  • Hydrogeology

Background

  • Widespread use of chemical pesticides, particularly Atrazine (ATZ), in agriculture globally.
  • China's significant agricultural sector leads to extensive pesticide application.
  • Atrazine poses a threat to groundwater quality and agricultural safety.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To assess the nationwide presence and distribution of Atrazine in groundwater across China.
  • To identify factors influencing Atrazine contamination in groundwater.

Main Methods

  • Nationwide sampling of 8146 groundwater monitoring wells in 10 key grain-producing areas in 2019.
  • Chemical analysis of Atrazine concentrations.
  • Statistical analysis including classification and regression trees.

Main Results

  • Atrazine detected in 40.79% of groundwater samples, with concentrations up to 2.86 μg/L.
  • Higher detection rates in shallow (phreatic) aquifers compared to confined aquifers.
  • Contamination decreased with increasing depth, with 70.27% found above 51.8m.
  • Higher detection rates and concentrations observed in southern China.
  • Atrazine presence correlated with lower total dissolved solids (TDS) and specific hydrochemical types (Ca-HCO3, Mixed).
  • Key factors for high detection rates include shallow groundwater depth (<51.8m) and high organic matter content.

Conclusions

  • Atrazine contamination is prevalent in Chinese groundwater, particularly in shallow aquifers and southern regions.
  • Groundwater depth and organic matter content are critical factors influencing Atrazine migration.
  • Findings highlight the need for improved pesticide management to protect water resources.

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