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S-triazine residues in groundwater
U Dörfler1, E A Feicht, I Scheunert
1GSF-Institute of Soil Ecology, Neuherberg, Germany.
Chemosphere
|July 1, 1997
Summary
Pesticides like atrazine contaminate groundwater. Lysimeter experiments showed that 2.87-4.20% of applied terbuthylazine leached out after 1160 days, indicating long-term groundwater contamination risk from herbicides.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Soil Science
- Hydrology
Background:
- Pesticide and chemical contamination of groundwater is a confirmed environmental issue.
- Atrazine is frequently detected in groundwater, with US levels up to 10 µg/L.
- Understanding herbicide persistence and leaching is crucial for water resource management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the leaching potential of the herbicide terbuthylazine in a lysimeter experiment.
- To assess the long-term fate of herbicides in soil and their potential to reach groundwater.
Main Methods:
- Lysimeter experiments were conducted using radioactive-labeled terbuthylazine.
- Radioactivity in leachate was measured over 1160 days to track herbicide movement.
- Environmental conditions were controlled to simulate field conditions.
Main Results:
- 2.87-4.20% of the applied radioactivity was detected in the leachate after 1160 days.
- This indicates significant leaching of terbuthylazine over time.
- The results highlight the persistence and mobility of this herbicide in soil.
Conclusions:
- Herbicides like terbuthylazine can leach into groundwater over extended periods.
- Long-term monitoring and risk assessment are necessary for managing herbicide contamination.
- These findings have implications for agricultural practices and groundwater protection strategies.