Wetland pesticide exposure in agricultural regions: a case study from Uruguay

The intensification of agricultural practices has led to an increased reliance on pesticides, which has become a significant environmental concern due to their adverse effects on ecosystems and human health. In Uruguay, the escalation of pesticide use has been accompanied by detrimental effects on ecosystems critical for conservation. Understanding the dynamics of these widespread pollutants necessitates an in-depth comprehension of the application of active ingredients, their spatial distribution, and their environmental fate. This study aims to assess the exposure of wetland ecosystems in Uruguay's primary agricultural zone to pesticides. The research integrates remote sensing techniques to identify crop rotations, determining the predominant active ingredients and their rates of use in agricultural cycles, estimating pesticide distribution patterns and environmental mobility, and evaluating wetland exposure. The study reveals widespread use of active chemicals such as glyphosate, 2,4-D, flumioxazin, S-metolachlor, clethodim, flumetsulam, triflumuron, chlorantraniliprole, and fipronil, with 27.4% of wetland areas experiencing significant exposure. This study provides a comprehensive method for georeferencing pesticide applications, estimating spatial distribution, and assessing wetland vulnerability to agrochemicals, offering valuable insights for environmental management and policy-making.